Japan’s mobility company newmo and telecommunications group KDDI have formed a capital and business alliance for autonomous taxis. Their first service target is Sakai in Osaka Prefecture in 2028, initially with safety drivers aboard. KDDI Smart Mobility joins the operational partnership, which assigns driving technology, communications and local deployment responsibilities among the companies.
Japan’s mobility company newmo and telecommunications group KDDI announced a capital and business alliance on November 6 to prepare autonomous taxi services. They aim to begin commercial service in Sakai, a city in Japan’s Osaka Prefecture, in 2028. Initial operations are planned with safety drivers aboard. KDDI Smart Mobility, the group’s transport-services business, also joins the operational partnership.[1], [2]
newmo will develop the autonomous driving system, operate the vehicles and supply the application passengers use to request rides. KDDI will provide connectivity, computing infrastructure for artificial intelligence, remote monitoring and high-precision positioning. KDDI Smart Mobility takes responsibility for field trials, practical operations and municipal relationships. The partners are preparing both the driving technology and the arrangements needed to run a transport service.[1]
The partnership also envisages connections with demand-responsive transport, autonomous buses and shuttles. The companies are considering offering functions developed and tested in Sakai to transport operators elsewhere in Japan. Their stated background includes driver shortages, an aging workforce and reductions in local bus services. The agreement sets out responsibilities and a deployment target without disclosing an investment amount or equity valuation.[1]
