(April 28, 2014) NEW YORK — Nissan's Smart Rearview Mirror will be introduced in Japan later this year, but it's already being recognized for the anticipated positive effect it may have on roadways. Last week at the New York International Auto Show, the World Traffic Safety Symposium named the Nissan Smart Rearview Mirror a 2014 Traffic Safety Achievement Award recipient, a recognition given annually to organizations and individuals that help create a safer environment for motorists and pedestrians.

Nissan's Smart Rearview Mirror — the world's first LCD monitor that not only provides clear rearward visibility under various conditions, but also allows the driver the ability to switch between the LCD monitor and the traditional rearview mirror — was one of only three winners recognized for demonstrating "the most cutting-edge, life-saving safety features available in vehicles today," according to the World Traffic Safety Symposium.

"Safety is a top priority for Nissan, and our products continue to evolve to meet regulations and consumer expectations," said Pierre Loing, vice president, Product Planning, Nissan North America, Inc. "By improving rearward visibility, we hope Smart Rearview Mirror will help make roads safer with potential ancillary benefits for vehicle design."

With conventional rearview mirrors, rearward visibility can be obstructed by tall passengers in the rear seats, luggage stacked high in the vehicle's rear compartment or even the design of the vehicle. Smart Rearview Mirror can help provide rearward visibility free from these and other in-vehicle obstructions as well as traditional blind spots, thanks to a high resolution camera mounted at the rear of the vehicle.



In addition to the ability to provide a clearer rear view, the Smart Rearview Mirror can also display a crisp, clear image in a variety of other circumstances. The high-quality camera and image processing system implemented in the LCD monitor consistently produces an image with minimal glare, even during sunrise or sunset conditions or when being followed by a vehicle with strong headlights.

Visibility during nighttime driving and at dawn and dusk are also improved from that of a standard rearview mirror.

 The Smart Rearview Mirror's high-resolution camera displays its images on an LCD monitor built into the rearview mirror, which also functions as a conventional rearview mirror. The camera projects a clear image onto the monitor, giving the driver a better view of conditions behind the vehicle.

Nissan is planning to introduce the Smart Rearview Mirror to global markets in the near future after an initial rollout to Japanese consumers this spring.