Nissan Technical Centre Europe (NTCE) and US-based vehicle software innovator Sonatus have announced a development partnership to accelerate the vehicle development process. The collaboration integrates advanced artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to deliver faster, smarter, and more efficient engineering workflows for Nissan’s future lineup, including forthcoming electric vehicles.
Using a bespoke vehicle data-collection tool, engineers from NTCE in Cranfield, UK, will deploy Sonatus Collector AI and Sonatus AI Technician to analyse real-time and historical vehicle data.
By harvesting information from sensors, electronic control units (ECUs), and onboard diagnostics tools, the AI system can automatically detect irregularities, potential failures, and operational inefficiencies. These capabilities support earlier fault identification in software-defined vehicle platforms and help streamline validation efforts for EV components that rely heavily on high-speed data and complex control interactions.
Early trials at NTCE indicate significant improvements in troubleshooting efficiency, reducing reliance on physical test vehicles and cutting investigation time from two weeks to just two days. This milestone aligns with Nissan’s global recovery plan, RE:Nissan, which emphasises innovation through a digital-first approach. Simulation, advanced testing, and smart data workflows are seen as essential to reducing overall development time, particularly as electrified platforms grow more sophisticated.
“The role of AI is clear, to act as a tool for our engineers and not a direct replacement,” said David Moss, senior VP, Research and Development, Nissan Africa, Middle East, India, Europe and Oceania (AMIEO). “Using their years of expertise and the AI tool, our engineers will be able to investigate and act quickly on ensuring our products and technologies are ready for customers sooner with zero compromise on quality. Working together will allow us to deliver an enhanced customer experience and maintain competitiveness in a rapidly evolving market.”
AI tools are expected to become a cornerstone of Nissan’s testing programme. Working with Sonatus and other providers, smart testing methods will increasingly support the development of future models, including the next-generation Nissan LEAF and other electrified vehicles within the AMIEO region.
“Our collaboration with Nissan AMIEO reflects a shared commitment to an AI-driven future,” said Alexandre Corjon, Senior
NTCE and Sonatus will showcase live demonstrations of intelligent data collection and AI-driven diagnostics at CES 2026 (Las Vegas Convention Center, January 6–9, West Hall Booth 5439).
Filed Under: Software, Technology News