The traditional rearview mirror as we know it may eventually become a thing of the past if Nissan has their way. The Japanese car brand has recently introduced their latest technology feat, an innovative rearview mirror appropriately called Smart Rearview Mirror, which aims to increase rearward driver visibility and change the way cameras are utilized in today's vehicles.
As creators of the Around View Monitor system, which allows drivers to have a 360-degree view of their car's surroundings, Nissan is always on the brink of innovation, so it comes as no surprise that the automaker would be one of the first major brands to develop a technology driven rearview mirror, giving drivers the ability to experience rearward visibility like never before. The Smart Rearview Mirror may look like your typical rearview mirror at first sight, but it actually comes with a built-in LCD monitor that can be used in place of the average mirror with a simple flip of a switch. When activated, a set of rear-mounted cameras send a clear digital feed of the back of the vehicle to the LCD monitor, which the driver is then able to use to his or her advantage.
What makes the Smart Rearview Mirror a benefit to drivers is its ability to provide a wider view than most rearview mirrors, which often encounter obstructions, limiting driver visibility. With the sophisticated mirror, clear images are provided around the clock, regardless of weather conditions, and mirror glares are never a problem.
"Smart rearview mirror will give our customers the best possible view no matter how tall the passengers in the back seat, or the road conditions." said Andy Palmer, Chief Planning Officer and executive Vice President of Nissan. "It also offers the possibility of new and exciting designs for our upcoming models because Smart rearview mirror is an alternative to a very wide rear window for good visibility. We'll have the flexibility to create new shapes, and to further improve aerodynamics for better fuel efficiency."
The effects Nissan's Smart Rearview Mirror could have on the automotive market could be tremendous. However, if you're interested in seeing it in your next Nissan Altima or Pathfinder, you may be out of luck. The product will be offered as a dealer option in Japan this spring, but it's not scheduled to launch globally until 2015.
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