Nissan Sets Ambitious Goal: Launching Autonomous-Drive Mobility Services in Japan by 2027

Taking a big leap forward, Nissan is making strides toward its grand plan, Nissan Ambition 2030. The goal is to enhance mobility and tackle transportation problems in Japanese communities. These areas grapple with issues like a shortage of drivers, mainly due to the aging population. Through this initiative, Nissan aims to introduce a variety of new services that grant people the freedom to move around without constraints.

Nissan has been trying out different ways to offer transportation services both in Japan and other countries since 2017. They’ve been testing services in places like the Minato Mirai area in Yokohama and Namie town in Fukushima Prefecture. In Namie, there’s a service called Namie Smart Mobility that’s been running since 2021, providing manned mobility. Beyond Japan, Nissan has been experimenting with self-driving services in London and other locations, with the backing of the UK government.

With this understanding, Nissan aims to kick off self-driving services around 2027, collaborating with partners like local authorities and transportation operators. They plan to test the waters in the Minato Mirai area starting in 2024, gradually expanding the trials the next year. Throughout these tests, they’ll be upgrading the level of autonomous driving, all while checking how comfortable customers feel with the idea, with the ultimate goal of delivering services without a human driver.

In a strong collaborative effort, Nissan is partnering closely with the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, as well as the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, along with other central ministries. This united front is not just about support; it’s a dynamic collaboration aimed at bringing innovative autonomous mobility services to life.

What adds a fascinating layer to this collaboration is the formation of the Level 4 Mobility Acceleration Committee. This committee is not just a bureaucratic formality; it’s a platform where discussions and actions unfold to propel the realization of cutting-edge autonomous mobility services. The engagement and synergy between Nissan and these ministries promise an exciting journey toward the future of transportation in Japan.