According to Nikkei, Japanese automaker Isuzu Motors has announced a partnership with the U.S. autonomous driving software startup Applied Intuition. The collaboration aims to jointly develop fully autonomous trucks that can operate under specific conditions, with the goal of deploying these trucks on Japanese highways starting in the fiscal year 2027.
Isuzu President Shinsuke Minami stated that this partnership reinforces the company's previously announced autonomous driving plans. In April of this year, Isuzu revealed its intention to launch L4 autonomous trucks and buses in the fiscal year 2027. If successful, Isuzu could become the first Japanese commercial vehicle manufacturer to deploy this technology.
Applied Intuition will provide the development systems to support autonomous driving capabilities, addressing Isuzu's deficiencies in this area. Isuzu plans to apply these technologies to its heavy-duty Giga trucks for use in warehouse transportation tasks. In addition to Isuzu, Applied Intuition is also collaborating with several major global automakers, including Nissan, to develop driver assistance systems.
Isuzu also plans to introduce L4 autonomous buses in two locations starting in the fiscal year 2027: Hiratsuka City in Kanagawa Prefecture, south of Tokyo, and Fukuoka Airport in southwestern Japan. The company hopes to expand its operations to other regions in the future. Additionally, Isuzu will leverage technology from the startup Tier IV to equip its buses with autonomous driving features. Isuzu and Tier IV formed a capital and business alliance in March of this year to jointly develop autonomous driving systems for buses, and they have conducted several L2 autonomous technology tests in Hiratsuka and Fukuoka Airport.
Minami stated, "If autonomous driving technology becomes more widespread, our autonomous driving business could become a major source of revenue." As global autonomous driving technology evolves, major automakers are increasing investments and seeking partners to enhance their competitiveness.
