Autech Japan Inc., affiliated with Nissan Motor Co. Ltd., aims to launch the Micro Utility Vehicle in Japan in 2006 in co-operation with Tokyo University and other institutions.

The vehicle would be equipped with sensors and cameras that would examine movements of the driver's arms, legs and eyes and detect shortcomings in his or her driving skills.

The final product would be priced at between one and 1.5 million yen (9,000-13,500 dollars), a company official said.

Autech and collaborators are now analysing how advanced age affects a driver's physical responses and assessment of situations and developing computer programmes to determine the best assistance method.

"It is necessary to provide an easy-to-drive, safe means of transport for elderly people to enable their social participation," Autech and its collaborators said in a project plan. The number of senior drivers is expected to surge given Japan's rapidly greying society.

Autech has already developed an electric-powered prototype one-seater, which runs at a maximum speed of 60 kilometres per hour (37 miles per hour).

SPACE.WIRE