GM, Honda Aim For Robotaxi Service In Japan

Initiation Of Service In Tokyo By 2026 Planned

General Motors (GM), Honda and Cruise, GM's self-driving car subsidiary, plan to launch a robotaxi service in Japan by 2026. This will be Cruise's second international market after Dubai.
The companies intend to establish a joint venture to launch the service, using the custom-built Cruise Origin vehicles, known for their zero-emission and spacious interiors.
The service aims to address Japan's driver shortage which is worsened by an aging population. It is seen as a means to provide safer and more accessible transportation, especially for disabled and elderly individuals.
The Cruise Origin vehicles will be tested and refined in Tokyo, and the fleet size is expected to eventually expand to 500 vehicles, with service area to potentially scale beyond central Tokyo.
However, the initiative faces potential challenges including legal complexities and resistance from a powerful domestic taxi lobby, which previously thwarted attempts by ride-hailing services like Uber to break into the Japanese market.