Nissan has announced the development of the Smart rearview mirror – the world’s first LCD monitor which will be on display at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show.

Unique high-performance cameras and image processing technologies

According to the Japanese automaker, the Smart rearview mirror not only provides clear rearward visibility under various conditions but also allows the driver the ability to switch between the LCD monitor and the traditional rearview mirror, depending on the driver’s preference.

The system uses a high-resolution rearview camera and a built-in LCD monitor that can be activated in place of the conventional mirror. A high-resolution camera mounted on the rear of the vehicle provides the driver with a clear unobstructed view of the rear flanks, allowing the ability to check blind spots and other traffic conditions.

In addition, there’s a versatile switch function in order to go back to a traditional rearview mirror. However, compared to the standard mirror, Nissan says the LCD monitor gives a wider and clearer view and can provide a crisp image in a variety of environmental conditions including rain, snow, dawn and dusk, and obstacles such as tall rear seat passengers and luggage.

“Smart rearview mirror will give our customers the best possible view no matter how tall the passengers in the back seat, or the road conditions.” said Andy Palmer, Chief Planning Officer and executive Vice President of Nissan.

“It also offers the possibility of new and exciting designs for our upcoming models because Smart rearview mirror is an alternative to a very wide rear window for good visibility. We’ll have the flexibility to create new shapes, and to further improve aerodynamics for better fuel efficiency.”

The Smart rearview mirror will become a dealer option in Japan this spring and Nissan will introduce it globally in 2015. There are also plans on incorporating the Smart rearview mirror in the ZEOD RC race car that will be competing at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. It will then head to global markets next year.

Watch the Smart rearview mirror system in action