TOKYO (Reuters) – Honda Motor has announced its plans to form a joint venture with General Motors and Cruise in order to launch a driverless ride service in Japan by early 2026.
The establishment of this joint venture is expected to take place in the first half of 2024, subject to regulatory approval, as stated by the Japanese automaker.
This collaboration seeks to leverage the expertise of Honda Motor, General Motors, and Cruise, an autonomous vehicle technology company, to introduce self-driving cars for ride-hailing purposes in Japan, marking a significant step toward revolutionizing the transportation sector in the country.
Honda Motor’s decision to venture into the driverless ride service market comes as the company aims to further tap into the potential of autonomous vehicles and capitalize on the growing demand for innovative mobility solutions. By partnering with General Motors and Cruise, Honda expects to accelerate the development and deployment of autonomous ride services.
General Motors, one of the world’s largest automobile manufacturers, has been actively investing in autonomous driving technology through its subsidiary, Cruise. The collaboration with Honda Motor is anticipated to strengthen their position in the global autonomous vehicle market, fostering mutually beneficial growth opportunities for both companies.
For Cruise, this partnership represents an opportunity to expand its presence in the Japanese market, which is known for its advanced automotive industry. By joining forces with Honda Motor and General Motors, Cruise aims to enhance its technological capabilities and gain a competitive edge in the self-driving car sector.
Japan, renowned for its technological advancements, has been a focal point for autonomous vehicle development. With the collaboration of these three industry leaders, the driverless ride service in Japan is expected to greatly transform the transportation landscape, offering a safer, more efficient, and convenient mode of travel for consumers.
The joint venture’s target date for launching the driverless ride service is early 2026, indicating the companies’ commitment to rapidly developing and deploying autonomous vehicles. However, the establishment of the joint venture in the first half of 2024 is dependent on receiving regulatory approval.
This strategic partnership between Honda Motor, General Motors, and Cruise signifies a significant milestone in the autonomous vehicle industry, as it brings together the expertise and resources of major players to pave the way for the future of transportation.
With continued advancements in autonomous technology, the prospect of driverless ride services becoming a reality is becoming increasingly promising, promising new possibilities for the future of mobility.
Reporting by Mariko Katsumura
