Honda, General Motors and Cruise Bring Joy And Freedom Mobility In The World By Introducing A Driverless Ride Service In Japan

Honda, General Motors, and Cruise have joined forces to develop a shared vision for the future, one that includes the launch of a driverless ride service in Japan by early 2026.

The partnership, slated to form in the first half of 2024, will introduce the state-of-the-art Cruise Origin autonomous vehicle as part of the new service.

Users will have the ability to summon a robotaxi via a specialized app, providing convenient pick-up and drop-off options. The Origin can accommodate up to six people, who sit facing each other, and is designed to serve a diverse customer base, including families, tourists, and business professionals.

Initially, the collaborative venture between GM, Cruise, and Honda will roll out dozens of Cruise Origins, with plans to expand to a fleet of approximately 500 vehicles. For the time being, the service will operate in central Tokyo, with aspirations to extend its reach to other areas in the future.

Honda is striving to deliver the "joy and freedom of mobility" through its innovative driverless ride service.

"This service represents a new paradigm in mobility and high-quality service," said Honda Global's Executive Director, Toshihiro Mibe. "It marks the first step towards a more advanced mobility society. Launching this service in central Tokyo, given its complex traffic conditions, will be a significant challenge. However, Cruise, GM, and Honda are committed to working collaboratively to overcome these hurdles."

GM believes that Japan could emerge as one of the largest markets for driverless rides globally, considering the country's high demand for taxis in major cities and its ongoing struggle with a shortage of taxi drivers.

"GM has always been committed to shaping the future of transportation, and this is our most ambitious project to date," stated GM's Executive Director, Mary Barra. "The advantages of electric vehicles—from safety to accessibility—are crucial, which is why we have teamed up with Cruise and Honda. Together, we leverage expertise in the latest software and hardware technologies to help people worldwide."