Nissan Motor Co announced today its strategy to commercialize its internally developed autonomous-drive mobility services, reaching an SAE Level 4 equivalent, in Japan. This move is a significant stride towards its long-term vision, Nissan Ambition 2030, aimed at enhancing mobility and addressing transportation challenges encountered by local communities in Japan, particularly due to an aging population. These challenges include driver shortages. Nissan intends to introduce a diverse array of new services facilitating unrestricted movement.
Since 2017, Nissan has been experimenting with various business models for mobility services in Japan and overseas. These include the Minato Mirai area of Yokohama and Namie town, Fukushima Prefecture, where the Namie Smart Mobility service has been operational since 2021. Beyond Japan, Nissan has been conducting trials of autonomous-drive mobility in locations like London, supported by the UK government.
Leveraging this experience, Nissan plans to commence offering autonomous-drive mobility services by fiscal year 2027, collaborating with third parties such as local authorities and transport operators. Trials will kick off in the Minato Mirai area in fiscal 2024, with plans to expand them in the subsequent fiscal year. Throughout the trials, the level of autonomous driving will progressively advance while evaluating customer acceptance, with the ultimate goal of providing driverless services.
Between 2025 and 2026, Nissan aims to conduct service demonstration tests in the Yokohama area, covering Minato Mirai, Sakuragi-cho, and Kannai, employing a total of 20 vehicles (with a driver on board). By 2027, it plans to commence services in three to four municipalities, including rural areas, deploying tens of vehicles.
