Honda Motor and General Motors (GM) have announced their plans to introduce driverless ride services in Japan by 2026, catering to a diverse range of customers. The collaboration includes GM's driverless-car unit, Cruise, and the two automakers are set to commence the service in central Tokyo at the beginning of 2026, with subsequent expansion to other regions in Japan.
Overcoming the complexities of the traffic environment in central Tokyo is a significant challenge that the companies are prepared to tackle head-on. Honda's Chief Executive, Toshihiro Mibe, expressed confidence in partnering with Cruise and GM to bring this ambitious project to fruition.
To facilitate their joint venture, the automakers aim to establish a collaborative partnership by the first half of 2024.
The initial phase of the service will feature dozens of Cruise Origins vehicles, which have been developed jointly by Honda and GM specifically for the driverless ride service. This fleet will eventually expand to comprise 500 vehicles. As for the target audience, the service aims to cater to a wide range of customers, including businesspeople, families, and visitors.
To ensure a seamless experience for customers, a dedicated smartphone app will be provided for the entire ride-hailing and payment process. The vehicles will pick up passengers from a specified location and transport them autonomously to their destination.
This collaborative effort between Honda Motor, General Motors, and Cruise signifies a significant leap forward in the field of driverless technology. With their innovative approach and commitment to overcoming obstacles, the automakers are actively shaping the future of transportation.
