Honda plans to work with Cruise and GM for autonomous vehicle mobility service in Japan

Honda has announced its plans to offer an autonomous vehicle mobility service business in Japan, which the automaker will launch in partnership with Cruise LLC and General Motors.

The automotive brand started its testing program on Wednesday, September 8, in Japan’s Utsunomiya City and Haga Town, Tochigi Prefecture.

As the first step of the said testing phase, Honda will be creating a high-definition map of the area to be created using a specialized vehicle. Once the high-definition map is ready, the autonomous vehicle can be tested on public roads to develop and test autonomous vehicles adapted to the traffic environment and the relevant laws and regulations in Japan.

Honda will work with Cruise — an American self-driving car company headquartered in San Francisco, California — on the testing program. Honda also stated that there are plans to pursue further testing at a new operations test site to be established within a Honda facility in Tochigi Prefecture.

Further ahead, Honda will offer autonomous vehicle services using Cruise Origin, a vehicle jointly developed by Honda, Cruise, and General Motors, exclusively for autonomous vehicle mobility service businesses. Honda Mobility Solutions Co., Ltd., a Honda subsidiary for autonomous vehicle services will be in charge of its operations in Japan.

Photos from Honda and Cruise

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