The environment in which customers will be operating their vehicles is of great importance to us.
To understand local real-world conditions, Nissan conducts running tests worldwide in the markets where our vehicles are sold.
We achieve quality assurance through a two-stage test that includes test drives and local evaluation.
There are four main phases to creating and supplying a vehicle: planning, development, production and marketing/sales. Our running tests are conducted during the two middle stages. We use a factory test car during development, then a mass production test car during production. We address the issues that emerge during the development stage immediately, before the car reaches the mass production test car stage. We then confirm that the final quality standards have been met.
The running tests performed during these two stages are all conducted in the regions where the vehicles will be marketed and sold. Meticulous efforts are made to ensure that Nissan vehicles suit local conditions.
Double quality check based on data and driver feedback
We run rigorous, repetitive, high-precision tests over a short period, in some instances driving the cars for 24 consecutive hours or more. At Nissan, we refer to these systematized local running tests as PSQC* tests. Our test drivers conduct thorough checks on handling, drivability, engine noise and various other aspects, evaluating the cars in much the same way customers do when they drive their own vehicles. At the same time, we gather data on how variables such as driving distance and tire wear affect engine performance. The data collected helps us to determine whether the vehicle meets the quality targets set.
- * PSQC stands for Pre SOS Quality Clinic. This is Nissan's original quality inspection system, which includes running tests conducted under the regional road and environmental conditions our customers will encounter.
The benefits of staging repeated virtual tests along with actual running tests
A virtual running test
In addition to running tests on actual roads, Nissan conducts a diverse array of simulated running tests. Our testing facilities and factories have environmental test chambers that can reproduce the heat, humidity and road conditions found in any region of the world. For example, vibration can be applied to simulate the rough, unpaved roads found in certain markets. We can evaluate the impact on the vehicle's handling or riding comfort and the deterioration of components from heat or humidity as well. At Nissan, actual and simulated running tests are repeated to ensure that we meet the quality targets we establish.
