Nissan plans 2027 driverless ride-share service for aging Japan

Nissan is planning an autonomous vehicle ride-share service for Japan in three years to address a dearth of taxi drivers amid the nation's aging population. The company, which will begin a trial service in Yokohama using a Serena-based vehicle, aims to have the program running nationwide by fiscal year 2027, Kazuhiro Doi, vice president of Nissan Research and Advanced Engineering, said during a briefing at the company's Yokohama headquarters. The trial will involve 20 vehicles with a safety monitor in each driver's seat in Yokohama's Minato Mirai area. Passengers will be able to make reservations for the service. Nissan will hold safety-related discussions with the government and proceed gradually, Doi said.