In Japan, the population is aging, leading to a potential shortage of drivers in the future. To address this issue, Nissan plans to introduce a driverless ride-share service using autonomous vehicles. The company aims to roll out the service by fiscal 2027, with a trial run set to begin soon in Yokohama.
Kazuhiro Doi, Vice President of Nissan Research and Advanced Engineering, confirmed the company’s plans for the autonomous vehicle ride-share service. Nissan will conduct a trial run with 20 Serena-based cars in Yokohama and is consulting with government officials on safety and regulation matters.
Japan is facing a transportation crisis due to an aging population, leading to a shortage of drivers for taxi and bus services. As Kazuhiro Doi highlighted, the country may soon face a situation where there are no more drivers available. This situation makes the introduction of autonomous vehicles a necessity rather than a luxury.
To address concerns about safety, a committee including Japan’s transport ministry, local governments, and stakeholders has been formed to assess the feasibility of autonomous vehicles. The committee will also be responsible for developing regulations to ensure the safe operation of these vehicles on Japanese roads.
As the population continues to age in Japan, the need for innovative solutions like autonomous vehicles becomes increasingly urgent. While these vehicles may offer a solution to the shortage of drivers, ensuring their safety and regulatory compliance will be crucial for their successful implementation.
With the impending launch of Nissan’s autonomous ride-share service, Japan is poised to lead the way in embracing this cutting-edge technology to address the challenges posed by an aging population. The trial run in Yokohama marks the first step towards a future where driverless vehicles may become a common sight on Japanese roads.
