Car maker Nissan is using AI to reduce the name for physical testing of its models, thanks to an expanded partnership with a Ƶ firm.
Software engineering specialist Monolith is working with the Japanese brand to use AI to accurately predict the results of physical tests. The approach is said to reduce reliance on physical prototypes, and streamlines the development process so that engineers can focus on hands-on problem solving and decision making.
Monolith's technology was first used to validate testing on the newest Nissan Leaf model, which is being built at its Sunderland plant. A three year extension to the partnership follows successful use of AI to test performance of bolt joints in vehicle chassis - with the system able to recommend optimal torque range for bolts to be tightened. The tool will now be applied to all of Nissan's European vehicle range in a move Monolith says could cut testing time in half.
Emma Deutsch, director of customer orientated engineering and test operations at Nissan Technical Centre Europe, said: “By integrating Monolith’s advanced AI-driven engineering software and decades of testing data, we’re able to simulate and validate vehicle performance with remarkable precision. Their machine learning models, trained on a combination of historical test data and digital simulations, allow us to reduce reliance on physical prototypes – cutting development time and resource use significantly.
"This approach not only accelerates our time to market but also supports our commitment to innovation and sustainability. As we look to the future, AI will play an increasingly central role in how we design, test, and deliver the next generation of vehicles to our customers sooner.”
Dr Richard Ahlfeld, CEO and founder of Monolith, added: “Our mission is to empower engineers with AI tools that unlock smarter, faster product development. The results of our work with Nissan demonstrate how machine learning can drive efficiency and innovation in automotive engineering. We’re thrilled to continue this journey together.”
Monolith says its technology contributes to Nissan's huge restructuring plan, Re:Nissan, which aims to drive down costs and development times amid huge financial challenges facing the automotive giant. In recent days executives gave an update on progress of the plan, which aims to slash billions in costs.
Announcing half year 2025 results which show a £137m (¥27.7bn) operating loss, Nissan said it had carried out much of the plan already including driving down costs per hour and reducing complexity in its parts progress. Chief executive Ivan Espinosa said the results - which came with a prediction of a full year operating loss of £1.3bn (¥275bn) - show the challenges the company faces but that it is making progress.
Nissan said it is now shifting focus to redefining its product-market strategy and building awareness of its new-generation models including the Sunderland-made Leaf and the Roox. Further model launches are expected in coming years.
