Hino, Isuzu to develop self-driving truck technology

Isuzu Motors Ltd. and Hino Motors Ltd. will jointly develop autonomous driving technology for trucks, sources said Friday. The two automakers aim to create autonomous driving technology that would let groups of trucks travel together in lines on expressways. Such developments would allow unmanned trucks to follow one truck with a driver at the front of the group, enabling a single worker to transport cargo currently carried by two or three separately manned trucks. The technology planned for joint development by Isuzu and Hino could also ease labor shortages. Trucks equipped with the high-tech gear are expected to be manufactured by both automakers.