Nissan boss wants autonomous cars by 2020

Nissan boss Andy Palmer has pledged that Nissan will have a production-ready vehicle capable of autonomous driving by 2020.

Speaking at the Geneva motor show, he said that the technology would be rolled out across all vehicles in Nissan’s range within two generations.

Although a range of autonomous systems are open, from lane keeping aids and adaptive cruise control to fully driverless cars, Palmer said his plan was to launch a car capable of driving itself from A to B, but it would require human intervention in certain circumstances.

"In the traffic of Delhi, for instance, human control may be more effective," he said. "Autonomous driving on this level is very popular with governments as it advances the goal of zero fatalities. What we are not talking about here is cars that allow you to go to the pub, have a few drinks and then fall in the back while you are driven home."

Photograph: Andy Palmer reveals the Nissan Juke at the Geneva Motor show.