Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Hitachi Ltd., and Unisia JECS Corporation announced today 
that they have agreed to start feasibility studies to strengthen their joint development 
structure for developing cutting-edge driveway control technologies for ITS (Intelligent 
Transport Systems).

In order to promote the development work smoothly and efficiently, Hitachi intends to 
consider capital participation in Unisia JECS with a view to taking the No. 2 equity 
position after Nissan.  Along with this, the company will consider sending its 
executives to the Unisia JECS board.

The three companies have jointly worked on developing powertrain control systems 
since 1994.  They have decided to deepen their collaboration in anticipation of the 
actual operation of ITS, which includes automated driving, in the 21st century.  Their 
joint initiative is based on their shared understanding that it is essential to develop 
integrated vehicle control systems which combine powertrain, braking and steering 
control systems.

If the feasibility studies prove the business to be viable, the three companies will go 
ahead with the following joint development work.

<Powertrain-related Area>
-Next-generation fuel injection system
-HEV (Hybrid-electric vehicles)
-EV (Electric vehicles), etc.
<Brake-related Area>
- Electrically controlled brake-by-wire system 
<Steering-related Area>
- Directly-operated electrically controlled power steering system
<Integrated Vehicle Control System>
- Integrated overall vehicle control system combining the three functions of 
  powertrain, braking and steering