Nissan Motor Co. has announced its intentions to introduce mobility services utilizing Level 4 autonomous vehicles in Japan by fiscal 2027. The company aims to address the growing challenge of establishing financially sustainable public transportation in rural areas. The initial trial service is set to commence in Yokohama, the base of Nissan, during the upcoming fiscal year starting from April. The service will be gradually expanded using approximately 20 vehicles until it is ready for commercial operations.
During the trial phase, Nissan will utilize Serena minivans equipped with self-driving technologies. A human driver will be present onboard to handle unforeseen emergencies. Users of the service will have the convenience of reserving their rides in advance through a smartphone application.
The objective of Nissan’s endeavor is to contribute to the future mobility requirements of Japan by leveraging homegrown technologies. Kazuhiro Doi, the Vice President of Research at Nissan, expressed the company’s commitment to providing sustainable services.
This announcement comes in the wake of Honda Motor Co. and General Motors Co. revealing their plans to launch a joint venture focused on driverless taxi services in Tokyo by early 2026.
The advancement of autonomous transportation is gaining significant attention throughout Japan, with nearly 70% of prefectures considering the adoption of Level 4 autonomous buses. As technology continues to evolve, it presents both opportunities and challenges for automakers like Toyota, which is striving to maintain its growth drivers while navigating potential data rigging scandals.
Nissan’s foray into self-driving mobility services marks another significant step in the pursuit of safer, more efficient transportation solutions for the future. With the integration of technology and innovation, the automotive industry continues to shape the way we travel, transforming the concept of mobility itself.
An FAQ section based on the main topics and information presented in the article:
Q: What is Nissan planning to introduce in Japan by fiscal 2027?
A: Nissan plans to introduce mobility services utilizing Level 4 autonomous vehicles in Japan by fiscal 2027.
Q: Why is Nissan introducing these mobility services?
A: Nissan aims to address the challenge of establishing financially sustainable public transportation in rural areas.
Q: When will the trial service of Nissan’s mobility services begin?
A: The trial service is set to commence in Yokohama during the upcoming fiscal year starting from April.
Q: How many vehicles will be used in the trial service?
A: Approximately 20 vehicles will be used in the trial service.
Q: What type of vehicles will Nissan use during the trial phase?
A: Nissan will use Serena minivans equipped with self-driving technologies during the trial phase.
Q: Will there be a human driver present during the trial phase?
A: Yes, a human driver will be present onboard to handle unforeseen emergencies.
Q: How can users reserve their rides for the service?
A: Users of the service can reserve their rides in advance through a smartphone application.
Q: What is the objective of Nissan’s endeavor?
A: The objective of Nissan’s endeavor is to contribute to the future mobility requirements of Japan by leveraging homegrown technologies.
Q: What plans have Honda and General Motors announced?
A: Honda and General Motors have announced plans to launch a joint venture focused on driverless taxi services in Tokyo by early 2026.
Q: Are other prefectures in Japan considering the adoption of autonomous buses?
A: Yes, nearly 70% of prefectures in Japan are considering the adoption of Level 4 autonomous buses.
Q: How is the advancement of autonomous transportation impacting automakers like Toyota?
A: The advancement of autonomous transportation presents both opportunities and challenges for automakers like Toyota, as they strive to maintain growth drivers and navigate potential data rigging scandals.
Definitions:
– Level 4 autonomous vehicles: These are vehicles that can operate without human intervention within specific conditions and in specific areas.
– Fiscal year: A period of 12 months used for accounting purposes, often aligning with the calendar year but can vary by company.
– Serena minivans: A specific model of minivan manufactured by Nissan.
– Homegrown technologies: Technologies developed internally by Nissan.
– Joint venture: A business partnership where two or more companies collaborate and share resources to achieve shared goals.
Suggested related links:
– Nissan Global
– Honda World
– General Motors