A simulator for a self-driving vehicle experience, an expansion of a rear seat safety feature, and an investment in pollution-free heavy-duty trucks were among the items promoted by automakers and other organizations recently.

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[naviga:li]A driving simulator has been set up inside the Longley Building at the University of Connecticut. The simulator, which consists of a 2014 Ford Fusion surrounded by six screens that project images of a city streetscape, was funded by UConn and the Connecticut Department of Transportation. UConn says the simulator can be used to expand research into issues such as drunk driving, distracted driving, and human interaction with connected or self-driving vehicles.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Nissan has announced that its rear seat alert will be standard on all of its vehicles starting with the 2019 model year. The reminder, which is chiefly designed to prevent drivers from accidentally leaving a child or pet in the vehicle, was first included as standard equipment on the automaker's Pathfinder SUV last year. The alert notes when a rear door is opened and issues a reminder on the dashboard display to check the rear seat before leaving the vehicle. If the rear door is not opened in a timely manner after the vehicle is parked and the ignition turned off, the feature will sound the horn to get the driver's attention as they walk away.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Toyota is expanding on its work with zero emission heavy-duty trucks, unveiling a second version of a truck powered by hydrogen fuel cells. This "Beta" test vehicle builds on the automaker's first fuel cell truck, which provided 670 horsepower and 1,325 pound-feet of torque, a gross combined weight capacity of 80,000 pounds, and a range of 200 miles between fill-ups. Toyota says the Beta truck retains the engine power and looks to improve on a number of other metrics, including the range.[/naviga:li]

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