The Nissan Technical Center in Farmington Hills, Michigan is a state-of-the-art research and development facility that plays a crucial role in the design, testing, and engineering of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles. Located in the heart of the automotive industry, the Nissan Tech Center is a hub for innovation and technological advancements. In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the Nissan Tech Center, its history, facilities, and the work that is done there.
History of the Nissan Tech Center
The Nissan Technical Center in Farmington Hills, Michigan was established in 1981 as a small engineering office. Over the years, the facility has undergone several expansions and renovations to become the world-class research and development center it is today. In 2005, Nissan invested $100 million in the facility to upgrade its testing and engineering capabilities. Today, the Nissan Tech Center is one of the largest and most advanced automotive research and development facilities in the world.
Facilities and Equipment
The Nissan Technical Center is situated on a 120-acre campus and features over 1.5 million square feet of office, laboratory, and testing space. The facility is equipped with cutting-edge technology and equipment, including:
- Advanced testing facilities, including wind tunnels, crash test facilities, and durability testing labs
- State-of-the-art engineering and design tools, including computer-aided design (CAD) software and 3D printing capabilities
- A large outdoor testing facility, including a 4.5-mile test track and a variety of test surfaces, including asphalt, concrete, and gravel
- A climate-controlled testing chamber, capable of simulating extreme temperatures and weather conditions
- A noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) testing facility, used to evaluate the sound quality and ride comfort of vehicles
Research and Development
The Nissan Technical Center is responsible for the research and development of new vehicles, technologies, and features. The facility is home to a team of highly skilled engineers, technicians, and designers who work together to design, test, and engineer Nissan and Infiniti vehicles. Some of the key areas of research and development at the Nissan Tech Center include:
- Electric and Autonomous Vehicles: The Nissan Tech Center is playing a key role in the development of Nissan's electric and autonomous vehicle technologies. The facility is home to a team of engineers and technicians who are working on the development of advanced battery technologies, electric motors, and autonomous driving systems.
- Advanced Safety Features: The Nissan Tech Center is also focused on the development of advanced safety features, including automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, and blind spot monitoring.
- Fuel Efficiency and Emissions Reduction: The facility is working on the development of new technologies to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions, including advanced engine technologies, transmission systems, and aerodynamics.
Testing and Validation
The Nissan Technical Center features a wide range of testing and validation facilities, including wind tunnels, crash test facilities, and durability testing labs. These facilities are used to evaluate the performance, safety, and durability of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles. Some of the key testing and validation activities at the Nissan Tech Center include:
- Wind Tunnel Testing: The Nissan Tech Center features a state-of-the-art wind tunnel that is used to evaluate the aerodynamics and wind noise of vehicles.
- Crash Testing: The facility is equipped with a crash test facility that is used to evaluate the safety of vehicles in a variety of crash scenarios.
- Durability Testing: The Nissan Tech Center features a range of durability testing facilities, including a 4.5-mile test track and a variety of test surfaces, including asphalt, concrete, and gravel.
Tour and Visit
The Nissan Technical Center offers guided tours of the facility, which provide a behind-the-scenes look at the research and development activities that take place there. Visitors can see firsthand the advanced testing and engineering facilities, including the wind tunnel and crash test facilities.
Jobs and Careers
The Nissan Technical Center is a major employer in the Farmington Hills area, with a team of highly skilled engineers, technicians, and designers. The facility offers a range of job and career opportunities, including internships and co-op programs for students.
Conclusion
The Nissan Technical Center in Farmington Hills, Michigan is a world-class research and development facility that plays a crucial role in the design, testing, and engineering of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles. With its advanced testing facilities, state-of-the-art equipment, and team of highly skilled engineers and technicians, the Nissan Tech Center is a hub for innovation and technological advancements in the automotive industry.
Gallery of Nissan Tech Center
FAQ
What is the Nissan Technical Center?
+The Nissan Technical Center is a research and development facility located in Farmington Hills, Michigan. It is responsible for the design, testing, and engineering of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles.
What kind of testing facilities does the Nissan Technical Center have?
+The Nissan Technical Center has a range of testing facilities, including wind tunnels, crash test facilities, and durability testing labs.
Can I tour the Nissan Technical Center?
+Yes, the Nissan Technical Center offers guided tours of the facility. Visitors can see firsthand the advanced testing and engineering facilities.