Toyota is working on a car that will  help senior drivers stay alert.

Since Japan has one of the world's oldest populations, keeping aging drivers independent and alert is considered to be a very important goal.

"We are pooling our wisdom to develop a system that would enable (the elderly) to become more active mentally and physically by driving a car," Professor Ryuta Kawashima of Tohoku University reports.

Toyota grabbed a good portion of the American car market back in the 70's by giving baby boomers smaller, more fuel efficent cars.  Now it is thinking ahead to provide for those same drivers' special  needs as they age.

Other car companies are taking note this time.  Nissan, Japan's third largest carmaker is also beginning to show interest in the senior drivers' research.

Will these cars become trends?

We should know by 2015-2020.  Those are the projected years for the first models.

Now if they would just come out with a car that drives itself….

'Brain-Training' Expert Links with Toyota on Cars for Elderly

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