Cruise, GM And Honda Set To Launch Driverless Ridehail Service In Japan

Automotive giants Cruise, General Motors GM, and Honda HMC have announced plans to initiate a driverless ride-hail service in Japan.

According to the Cruise blog post, the three companies have signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a joint venture (JV). The service is expected to begin operations in early 2026.

“The business opportunity is exciting, as Japan represents one of the largest potential autonomous vehicle ridehail markets in the world,” stated Cruise CEO Kyle Vogt.

The autonomous vehicle proposed for the service, the Cruise Origin, will be co-developed by GM and Honda. The vehicle, capable of seating six passengers, will offer a new kind of mobility experience for Japanese customers.

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GM Chair and CEO Mary Barra expressed excitement over the partnership, emphasizing the profound benefits of Autonomous Vehicles (AVs).

The new venture aims to collaborate with various stakeholders, including national and local governments, and transportation service providers in Japan. The goal is to help alleviate Japan’s driver shortage and provide safer, more accessible transportation.

Initial testing will commence next year, pending government approvals, and commercialization is set to begin in central Tokyo in early 2026.

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