TOKYO Japanese automaker Nissan and NASA are teaming up to advance the technology behind cars that drive autonomously.

Nissan and NASA's Ames Research Center at Moffett Field, Calif., announced this week a five-year research-and-development partnership for autonomous-vehicle systems so they eventually can be applied to commercially sold cars.

Nissan is excited about the potential of self-driving cars, which executives say could lead to improved safety, a pillar for future autos.

NASA researchers will be working with Nissan's research unit in Silicon Valley, they said in a joint statement.

The maker of the Leaf electric car and Infiniti luxury models aims to introduce autonomous-driving technology to consumers between 2016 and 2020. Ames developed the Mars rover software and robots onboard the International Space Station.

"The partnership brings together the best and brightest of NASA and Nissan, " said Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn.

Originally posted here:

Nissan and NASA to work on autonomous car technology