NTT to test driverless tech with Toyota, invest in U.S. startup

Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) plans to test driverless vehicle technology with Toyota and invest in a U.S. startup developing self-driving systems, a spokesperson for the telecommunications firm said on Monday. NTT aims to start tests with autonomous buses and taxis as early as 2025 and invest about ¥10 billion ($66.91 million) in U.S. startup May Mobility, the spokesperson said, highlighting growing momentum behind self-driving technology in Japan. The Nikkei newspaper first reported on Monday that NTT will invest in May Mobility, adding that both NTT and Toyota would jointly develop vehicles. Both the NTT spokesperson and a Toyota spokesperson said they had no plans for joint development. Toyota did not comment further.