Nissan announced plans on Thursday to equip a model to be sold in Japan with an unusual technology intended to reduce injuries to pedestrians: a hood that automatically pops upward a few inches to put more distance between it and the hard engine components below, giving the hood more room to flex. The feature is among a growing number being designed to protect pedestrians, especially in low-speed mishaps they might survive. Driving the effort are tougher requirements taking effect in Europe and Japan for cars to be more “pedestrian-friendly”. The Nissan system, to be installed in the Skyline, utilises an explosive charge to lift the hood if a sensor in the bumper detects a collision with a pedestrian. Although unusual, the feature is not unique; General Motors spokesman Alan Adler says versions of the redesigned Cadillac CTS to be sold in Europe beginning in the fall will have a similar system. Adrian Lund, president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a research group, said the “pop-up hoods” show promise, but he worries about inadvertent deployments in minor parking lot bumps. Many carmakers have kept it simple. Honda’s 2007 US models employ special fender attachment brackets and hood hinges designed to progressively collapse if the car strikes a pedestrian. The windshield wiper pivots are designed to break away to help prevent an injury to the head of a person striking them. And there is added space between the hoods and engines. Toyota’s redesigned Highlander SUV for 2008 has the marque’s most advanced pedestrian protection system, including special fenders and hoods designed to crumple on contact with a human body. The same system is in the Lexus LS series. One version of the LS is available also with a system that employs video cameras to detect an impending collision with an object or a person, warn the driver and prepare the braking system for a panic stop.
