Honda, Cruise and GM collaborate for autonomous taxi service business set for Japan

Image credit: Honda

Honda has announced this week that it will partner with Cruise and General Motors on self-driving vehicles for its autonomous vehicle mobility service business in Japan.

The collaboration is based on the development and commercial agreements signed by the firms in October 2018.

Cruise will be sending the first of its self-driving test vehicles to Japan and start development for testing as early as this year.

Further ahead, Honda aims to launch its mobility service using the Cruise Origin, a vehicle the three companies are jointly developing exclusively for autonomous vehicle mobility service businesses. Honda Mobility Solutions Co., Ltd., established in February 2020, will be the operator of the service in Japan.

Image credit: Honda

Dan Ammann, CEO of Cruise, said: “Cruise’s mission to provide safer, cleaner and more accessible transportation is not limited to the US. These are major changes that are needed almost everywhere in the world, and this is a small, but symbolic step with Honda on our global journey.”

Takahiro Hachigo, President & Representative Director, Honda Motor Co, Ltd, said: “This collaboration with Cruise will enable the creation of new value for mobility and people’s daily lives, which we strive for under Honda’s 2030 Vision of serving people worldwide with the joy of expanding their life’s potential. Through active collaboration with partners who share the same interests and aspirations, Honda will continue to accelerate the realisation of our autonomous vehicle MaaS business in Japan.”