In a significant step towards efficient urban mobility, an international standard for “automatic valet parking” co-developed by Japan and Germany has been officially issued. This system leverages autonomous vehicle technology to navigate vehicles into parking spaces in large facilities, improving utilization of parking space and user convenience, reducing accidents, and cutting CO2 emissions. Large complexes, shopping malls, theme parks, and […]
Automobile
Denso to Negotiate Transfer of Combustion Engine Parts Operations to Niterra
Automotive parts supplier Denso has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to negotiate the transfer of certain internal combustion engine parts operations to Niterra. The move comes as the automotive industry accelerates its shift toward electrification in the push for carbon neutrality. The sector continues to develop internal combustion engines, accounting for regional and country-specific energy situations and fuel usage. […]
Panasonic Energy, Mazda in Talks for Long-term Partnership for EV Battery Supply
Panasonic Energy and Mazda are in discussions about establishing a medium- to long-term partnership aimed at meeting the increasing demand for electric vehicle (EV) batteries. The potential collaboration is poised to leverage Panasonic Energy’s automotive cylindrical lithium-ion batteries, produced at its plants in Japan and North America. Mazda would install these batteries in its EVs, slated for launch in the […]
Toyota Now Offers Post-Purchase Upgrades for Cars to Evolve as Tech Advances
Toyota has launched a new service in Japan, letting Prius U Grade owners upgrade their vehicles with new tech and features post-purchase that allows customers to swiftly evolve their cars in line with technological innovation. This move comes as part of the company’s effort to enhance the value of its vehicles. Toyota has previously offered retrofitting of new equipment not […]
JAMA Unveils Theme, Logo, and Key Events for the 2023 Japan Mobility Show
The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) has revealed the logo, theme, and major events for the upcoming Japan Mobility Show, set to take place at Tokyo Big Sight in Ariake, Tokyo, from October 26 to November 5, 2023. Previously known as the Tokyo Motor Show, the revamped Japan Mobility Show will open its doors to companies from all industries in […]
Daimler Truck, Mitsubishi Fuso, Hino, and Toyota Form Alliance
Daimler Truck, Mitsubishi Fuso, Hino Motors, and Toyota have entered a memorandum of understanding, solidifying their commitment to the advancement of cutting-edge technologies and the integration of MFTBC and Hino. As part of the collaborative agreement, the companies plan to drive the pursuit of carbon neutrality and stimulate a thriving mobility society. This will be accomplished by developing CASE technologies […]
Toyota Announces Plans for First US-Assembled Battery Electric Vehicle
Toyota Motor North America has announced plans to assemble an all-new, three-row, battery electric SUV at its Kentucky plant, set to roll off the assembly line in 2025. This will be the auto giant’s first Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) assembled in the U.S., and its batteries will be sourced from Toyota’s North Carolina battery plant. The battery plant, currently under […]
Autonomous Cars Find Varied Global Acceptance: Asahi Kasei Survey
According to a recent global survey conducted by Japanese tech company Asahi Kasei, acceptance and usage of autonomous cars differ widely across the world’s four largest automotive markets: Germany, China, the USA, and Japan. The study was conducted in partnership with Skopos, a market research institute based in Cologne. The survey showed that despite an overall decline in brand loyalty, […]
Hitachi Astemo Develops Autonomous Driving Technology for Safe Navigation on Narrow Roads
Hitachi Astemo has unveiled a new autonomous driving technology that uses 3D sensing to ensure safe and smooth navigation past oncoming vehicles on narrow roads and similar challenging situations. The company plans to enhance its cost competitiveness through the utilization of 3D sensing data captured by novel stereo cameras that offer improved cost benefits. The demand for autonomous driving solutions […]
Komatsu and Toyota to Develop Autonomous Light Vehicle for Mining Operations
Komatsu and Toyota have announced a joint venture to create an Autonomous Light Vehicle (ALV) that will integrate with Komatsu’s Autonomous Haulage System (AHS). The project aims to bolster safety and increase productivity in mining operations through advanced autonomous technologies. The ALV is currently undergoing testing at the companies’ proving grounds, and the partnership plans to have a proof of […]
Isuzu and Honda to Develop Fuel Cell-Powered Heavy-Duty Truck
Isuzu Motors and Honda Motor have signed a partnership agreement to develop a fuel cell-powered heavy-duty truck set for release in 2027. Under this agreement, Honda will develop and supply the fuel cell system for Isuzu’s forthcoming truck. The two companies have jointly developed a prototype fuel cell truck that has been licensed for use on public roads in Japan. […]
Japan Grants First Level 4 Autonomous Vehicle Approval
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) have announced the country’s first approval for a Level 4 autonomous vehicle system. The approval, granted on March 30, is part of the RoAD to the L4 project, a joint initiative aimed at developing advanced mobility services. The project, launched in 2021, […]
JAMA Releases 2022 Standard Truck Market Trend Survey
The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) recently published the results of its biennial “Standard Truck Market Trend Survey” for fiscal 2022. The survey aims to provide a chronological overview of heavy-duty truck ownership, purchase, and usage patterns, as well as changes in transportation needs, responses, and the market environment surrounding the logistics industry. In contrast to the previous shipper survey […]
JAMA Releases 2022 Small & Light Truck Market Trend Survey
The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) recently conducted a survey to understand the trends and challenges in the small and light truck market for fiscal 2022. This annual survey aims to examine the changes in ownership, purchase, and usage patterns of these vehicles and identify future market trends. The 2023 edition also focused on the impact of social and environmental […]
Denso Develops Inverter Using SiC Power Semiconductors to Reduce Power Loss in EVs
Denso has revealed its first-ever inverter equipped with silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors. This device has been integrated into the eAxle, an electric driving module designed by BluE Nexus, and will be deployed in the new RZ, the first battery electric vehicle (BEV) model of Lexus, which was launched on March 30, 2023. SiC power semiconductors use silicon and carbon to […]
