HNDAF - Cruise GM and Honda to start self-driving taxi service in Tokyo in 2026

2023-10-19 04:38:58 ET

Autonomous vehicle maker Cruise, General Motors ( NYSE: GM ) and Honda ( NYSE: HMC ) plan to bring self-driving taxi service in Japan, starting in central Tokyo in early 2026.

The three companies plan to set up a joint venture for the service and begin initial testing next year.

Around 500 Origin vehicles, Cruise's first ever robotaxi, will be manufactured by GM ( GM ) for the launch of the new JV at its Factory ZERO Detroit-Hamtramck plant in Michigan. The Cruise Origin was co-developed with GM ( GM ) and Honda ( HMC ).

The self-driving taxi service aims to help address a driver shortage in Japan, and offer a more accessible form of transportation, Cruise said in a statement .

"Providing this service in central Tokyo where the traffic environment is complex will be a great challenge, however, by working jointly with Cruise and GM ( GM ), Honda ( HMC ) will exert further efforts to make it a reality," said Toshihiro Mibe, the Japanese automaker's global CEO.

The executive also said Honda ( HMC ) will use Chevrolet Bolts in the run up to starting the service, before deploying the Origins, Reuters reported .

More on GM's Cruise

• GM/Cruise Is Off And Running. Get Onboard
• GM's Cruise in NHTSA probe on hitting pedestrians
• Cruise hits speed bump in California with self-driving program

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