Nissan Motors has unveiled its roadmap for commercializing its self-developed autonomous mobility service in Japan. This initiative is a pivotal step toward Nissan’s long-term vision, “Nissan Ambition 2030,” aimed at solving transportation challenges faced by rural communities in Japan and enhancing mobility. These communities are grappling with several mobility issues, such as a shortage of drivers due to aging populations. Nissan plans to introduce new services that enable freedom of movement.
Here’s a rough timeline:
- Fiscal Year 2024: Conduct driving tests in Yokohama’s Minato Mirai district using autonomous vehicles based on the Serena minivan.
- Fiscal Year 2025 to 2026: Conduct service demonstration tests using a total of 20 vehicles (with drivers onboard) in areas including Minato Mirai, Sakuragicho, and Kannai in Yokohama.
- Fiscal Year 2027: Aim to start providing services using several dozen vehicles in 3-4 municipalities, especially in rural areas. Discussions are ongoing with multiple municipalities.
“Nissan Ambition 2030” is Nissan’s vision to become a truly sustainable company, addressing urgent needs from the environment, society, and customers. It pushes for a cleaner, safer, and more inclusive world where everyone can coexist. More information on this vision can be found at Nissan’s official website.
Since 2017, Nissan has been testing mobility service business models both domestically and internationally. This includes the manned mobility service “Namie Smart Mobility” operational in Namie Town, Fukushima Prefecture, and Minato Mirai area of Yokohama city from 2021. Internationally, Nissan has conducted autonomous mobility tests in London with support from the UK government.
Building on this experience, Nissan plans to launch its autonomous mobility services starting fiscal year 2027, in collaboration with local governments and transportation operators. Trial operations in the Minato Mirai district are set to begin in fiscal year 2024, with an expansion planned for the following year. During these trials, the level of autonomous driving will be gradually increased, evaluating customer acceptance with the ultimate goal of providing driverless services.
This effort will be advanced in close cooperation with central government agencies such as the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. These agencies plan to promote initiatives for the new realization of autonomous driving services through the Level 4 Mobility Acceleration Committee they sponsor.