A Groundbreaking Step Towards Inclusive Mobility
(CRANFIELD, UK – 14 March 2025) – Autonomous vehicle technology has long been heralded as the future of mobility, and Nissan is proving just how transformative it can be—especially for older generations. A pioneering research project, evolvAD, recently culminated in a series of successful trials on rural roads in Bedfordshire, showcasing the potential of autonomous driving (AD) technology to keep elderly individuals mobile, independent, and connected to their communities.
One such individual is 93-year-old Brad Ashton, a retired comedy scriptwriter from Enfield. Having driven since 1947, Brad took part in an exclusive autonomous test drive organized by Nissan, experiencing firsthand how the technology could shape the future of transportation for those who depend on their vehicles to maintain their independence.
Bridging the Gap Between Aging and Mobility
Brad, who currently drives a Nissan Micra to care for his wife Valerie and manage daily errands, was invited to test Nissan’s cutting-edge autonomous technology near the company’s Technical Centre in Cranfield. Reflecting on his experience, he expressed excitement about the future of self-driving cars:
“New technology like this is fantastic, and it’s important to embrace it. Cars have come a long way since 1947 when I first started driving—you had to crank them up! I was thrilled to be among the first older individuals to test this incredible innovation. Surprisingly, I felt safe and relaxed throughout the entire journey, even on the winding country roads.”
His experience echoes the sentiments of many elderly individuals living in rural areas. A recent Nissan-commissioned survey conducted by OnePoll, involving 1,000 participants over the age of 70, revealed that 36% of those in rural locations feel socially isolated due to their inability to drive. Furthermore, 63% of respondents highlighted the importance of maintaining independence and not having to rely on others for essential activities such as shopping or visiting friends.
Survey Highlights: The Role of Autonomous Vehicles in Enhancing Independence
The survey also uncovered compelling insights about attitudes toward future mobility solutions:
- 64% of respondents expressed a desire for future technology to help them stay independent in later life.
- 63% stated they do not want to rely on others for daily transportation needs.
- 1 in 5 (21%) prefer face-to-face interactions over digital communication when keeping in touch with loved ones.
- 20% said they would be willing to ride in an autonomous vehicle if it allowed them to stay mobile.
Nissan’s Leadership in Autonomous Driving
Nissan has consistently been at the forefront of autonomous vehicle innovation, and the evolvAD project represents another milestone in the company’s pursuit of safer, more accessible mobility. As the technical lead for the project, Nissan has successfully facilitated over 16,000 autonomous miles across diverse UK road conditions—including motorways, urban streets, residential neighborhoods, and challenging country lanes—without any recorded accidents.
David Moss, Senior Vice President of Research & Development for Nissan’s AMIEO region, underscored the significance of this achievement:
“It has been a privilege to work alongside dedicated partners in advancing AD mobility. Beyond making driving safer by reducing human error and improving efficiency, this technology has the potential to extend mobility to those who may not have it today—whether due to age, disability, or geographical constraints. Our UK team at Nissan Technical Centre Europe in Cranfield remains committed to further developing this transformative technology.”
The Future of Inclusive and Autonomous Mobility
With significant progress also being made in Japan—where a Nissan test vehicle recently navigated a complex urban environment with no driver in the car—the evolvAD project signals a future where autonomous vehicles could play a crucial role in reducing loneliness and isolation for older individuals.
As for Brad Ashton, his only request for the driverless cars of the future?
“It’d be great if they could find me a parking space.”
Nissan’s commitment to advancing autonomous driving technology ensures that future generations, regardless of age or mobility limitations, can continue to enjoy the freedom and independence that driving provides.
