ISUZU “TEST COURSE”: INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY DRIVING THE FUTURE OF MOBILITY
ISUZU MOTORS LIMITED will build an autonomous driving test course in Japan to promote the adoption of Level 4 autonomous trucks and buses.
Looking ahead, ISUZU intends to open the test facility to companies and organizations outside the ISUZU Group, including autonomous driving startups, automotive parts suppliers, and transportation infrastructure firms supporting the broader implementation of autonomous driving technologies across society. This major investment is scheduled to begin operations in September 2027 in Mukawa, Hokkaido.
The test course will span approximately 190,000 m² and feature various testing zones, including simulated urban streets, highway on- and off-ramps, and rural roads. These facilities will safely replicate complex driving scenarios that are difficult to reproduce on public roads, enabling thorough verification and validation of autonomous driving technologies.
This project marks Japan’s first autonomous driving test course developed by a commercial vehicle manufacturer, positioning it as the central hub for autonomous technology development within the ISUZU Group. Additionally, the facility will be connected to domestic and international sites via high-speed networks, allowing real-time sharing and utilization of test data.
ISUZU recognizes the societal challenges facing Japan and the world, such as declining birth rates, aging populations, and urban concentration. Addressing these issues from the perspective of the transportation and logistics industry has become a strategic priority for the brand. In its medium-term business plan, ISUZU Transformation – Growth to 2030 (IX), the ISUZU Group identifies autonomous driving solutions as a key technological advancement to drive new business initiatives that tackle these social challenges. For this reason, ISUZU aims to launch Level 4 autonomous trucks and buses in fiscal year 2027.
ISUZU reaffirms its commitment to delivering new modes of transportation for the benefit of society through the implementation of technologies such as autonomous driving, evolving into a commercial mobility solutions company—as expressed in its philosophy: “Moving the World – for you”.
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