Nissan launches autonomous driving mobility service in Japan

Nissan aims to commercialize its self-developed autonomous mobility services in Japan by fiscal year 2027 (April 1, 2027 to March 31, 2028) as part of its long-term vision "Nissan Ambition 2030". Since 2017, the Japanese automaker has been testing various business models for mobility services. In its home country, these tests have been conducted in a district of Yokohama and the city of Namie in Fukushima Prefecture, where the manned mobility service Namie Smart Mobility began operations in 2021. Outside the Asian country, Nissan, with the support of the British government, has tested autonomous mobility in London, among other places.

Gradually Increase Autonomy Level

Based on these experiences, Nissan aims to offer SAE Level 4 autonomous driving mobility services starting in the fiscal year 2027, in collaboration with other partners such as local authorities and transport operators. Initial pilot trials will begin in Yokohama in the upcoming fiscal year, which starts on April 1, 2024: As part of these tests, Nissan will gradually increase the autonomy level and evaluate customer acceptance, with the goal of offering driverless services in the future.

The Schedule

• Fiscal Year 2024: Pilot trials in the Minato Mirai district in Yokohama with an autonomous vehicle based on the Serena minivan
• Fiscal Years 2025 to 2026: Demonstration tests in the Yokohama area – including Minato Mirai, Sakuragi-cho, and Kannai – with a total of 20 vehicles and a driver on board
• Fiscal Year 2027: Launch of the service in three to four municipalities – including rural areas – with several dozen vehicles. Discussions with various municipalities are already underway for this purpose

According to Nissan, the initiative is being advanced in close collaboration with the Japanese Ministries of Economy, Trade and Industry, as well as Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, and other authorities. The ministries are also promoting initiatives to realize new autonomous mobility services through the "Level 4 Mobility Acceleration Committee" they have organized.