Isuzu joins regional transportation digitalization initiative, launches self-driving bus PoC in Hiratsuka City

Tokyo, Japan- Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) is delighted to announce that Isuzu Motors Ltd., officially joined as a signatory on January 19, 2024, in an existing collaboration aimed at advancing digital transformations (DX) in regional public transportation. The initial agreement, inked on April 7, 2023, involved MC, Hiratsuka City, Kanagawa Chuo Kotsu Co., Ltd., Aisan Technology Co., Ltd., and A-Drive Inc., with a primary focus on autonomous-driving services in Hiratsuka City, located in Kanagawa Prefecture.

Isuzu's inclusion in the collaboration is a testament to its demonstrated commitment to addressing logistical and mobility challenges through DX-driven innovations. The values shared by Isuzu align seamlessly with the common objectives of the five existing partners, making the extension of the agreement a logical progression in their collective pursuit of innovative mobility solutions.

The terms of this renewed agreement see all six signatories commencing a proof of concept (PoC) for self-driving buses in Hiratsuka City. This initiative takes advantage of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's program, which subsidizes projects aimed at enhancing regional public transportation. The collaborative effort aims to validate the commercial potential of autonomous driving solutions, particularly in the context of public transportation in the region.

Key Highlights:

• Isuzu Motors Ltd. joins the existing collaboration for DX in regional public transportation.
• The six signatories launch a self-driving bus proof of concept in Hiratsuka City.
• The initiative leverages government subsidies to explore the commercial viability of autonomous driving solutions.
• The overarching objective of the six-party agreement remains centered on revitalizing Japan's regional communities by providing convenient, accessible, and sustainable public transportation services. This goal will be achieved through close collaboration, effective resource utilization, and the development of DX-driven, next-generation mobility solutions, with a specific emphasis on autonomous driving technology applications.

Scope of the Agreement:

• Digital transformations in regional public transportation.
• Enhancing mobility options through Mobility as a Service (MaaS).
• Conducting regionally based self-driving PoCs (as mentioned in this release).
• Verifying operational and service-related challenges with self-driving buses.
• Undertaking additional initiatives necessary to fulfill the agreement's overarching objective.