Nissan Reveals Plan For Self-Driving Services In Japan By 2027

Nissan has unveiled its plan to launch self-driving services in Japan, marking a crucial step towards its ambitious goal, Nissan Ambition 2030.

The automaker aims to tackle transportation challenges faced by local communities, especially the issue of driver shortages due to an aging population.

Japan has been grappling with mobility problems, and Nissan’s solution involves offering a range of new services that promise unrestricted movement.

The company has been testing various mobility models in Japan and internationally since 2017, including a manned service called Namie Smart Mobility in Fukushima Prefecture and autonomous-drive trials in London with the UK government’s support.

According to Press Release, Nissan intends to kick off autonomous-drive services in fiscal year 2027, collaborating with local authorities and transport operators. Trials will commence in the Minato Mirai area in fiscal 2024, gradually advancing autonomous driving levels while assessing customer acceptance, with the ultimate goal of delivering driverless services.

Here’s a quick timeline of Nissan’s autonomous journey:

• Fiscal year 2024: Autonomous driving tests in Yokohama’s Minato Mirai area using a Serena minivan.
• Fiscal years 2025 to 2026: Service demonstration tests in Yokohama, including Minato Mirai, Sakuragi-cho, and Kannai, involving 20 vehicles (with drivers on board).
• Fiscal year 2027: Aiming to launch services in three to four municipalities, including rural areas, with discussions underway with several municipalities.

Nissan’s initiative will closely involve cooperation with the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and other central ministries.

The Level 4 Mobility Acceleration Committee, organized by these ministries, will also push initiatives to bring new autonomous mobility services to reality.