Minister for Growth Strategy Jōnai (城内) took an AI-equipped self-driving car for a first test ride, and the government indicated its policy of supporting private-sector companies. The goal of securing a one-quarter share of self-driving car sales in the global market in the 2030s has also been disclosed.
Minister for Growth Strategy Jōnai (城内) took a test ride in an AI-equipped self-driving car developed by the UK startup Wayve. The vehicle was equipped with a function that enables its AI to learn the traffic environment and six cameras, and used Level 2 technology to support hands-off driving.
After the test ride, the minister said he was surprised by the speed of technological progress and stressed the need for the government to support private-sector companies. As part of its growth strategy, the government indicated its policy of supporting private-sector development and demonstrations of autonomous driving technology.
Wayve also has a development centre in Japan and announced a collaboration with Nissan last year. The company has indicated its intention to deepen cooperation with Japanese automakers, with the aim of strengthening government-private-sector collaboration to secure a share of the global self-driving car market.