Key Takeaways
- A memorandum of understanding has been signed between Uber, Nissan, and UK-based Wayve to bring robotaxi services to Tokyo.
- The pilot program is scheduled to begin in late 2026, utilizing Nissan’s LEAF electric vehicle equipped with Wayve’s AI-powered autonomous driving technology, accessible through Uber’s app.
- During the initial rollout, a safety driver will remain in the vehicle at all times.
- This collaboration represents Uber’s inaugural autonomous vehicle initiative in Japan and is part of a broader expansion into more than 10 cities worldwide.
- Wayve secured $1.2 billion in Series D funding, bringing its post-money valuation to $8.6 billion.
Shares of Uber (UBER) climbed 3.61% following the announcement of a strategic partnership with Nissan (NSANY) and Wayve, a UK-based autonomous driving technology firm, to introduce self-driving taxi services in Tokyo.
The three organizations have entered into a memorandum of understanding to develop and launch the autonomous service, with the Tokyo pilot scheduled to commence in late 2026.
The initiative involves integrating Wayve’s sophisticated end-to-end artificial intelligence autonomous driving platform into Nissan’s LEAF battery-electric vehicle. Customers will access these autonomous rides through Uber‘s established ride-hailing application.
A trained safety driver will be present in every vehicle during the initial deployment phase. The partners emphasized this as a measured and responsible method for introducing autonomous technology to the public.
Wayve began conducting road tests in Japan in early 2025. These trials focused on adapting to Japan’s challenging road infrastructure, which features intricate street layouts and rigorous safety regulations.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi highlighted that the Tokyo deployment follows a planned launch in London and represents a key component of the company’s broader international strategy. The autonomous service is planned for expansion across more than 10 cities globally.
This partnership marks Uber’s first autonomous vehicle collaboration in the Japanese market. The company confirmed it will operate the service through a licensed local taxi operator and is currently in the process of selecting that partner.
Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa noted the partnership extends the company’s ongoing collaboration with Wayve on AI-driven technology for its vehicle range. He characterized the Tokyo pilot as a logical progression of that relationship.
Wayve Secures $1.2B in Funding to Accelerate International Expansion
Wayve completed a $1.2 billion Series D funding round last month. Following the investment, the company achieved a post-money valuation of $8.6 billion.
The funding round attracted participation from a diverse group including Uber, Nissan, Microsoft (MSFT), Nvidia (NVDA), Mercedes-Benz (MBGAF), Stellantis (STLA), and SoftBank Group. This represents significant backing from both technology giants and major automotive manufacturers.
Wayve CEO Alex Kendall emphasized that the Tokyo collaboration enables the company to implement its autonomous technology “in a responsible way” while gathering valuable real-world operational data.
Nissan’s Contribution to the Partnership
Nissan is providing its LEAF electric vehicle as the platform for the pilot program. The vehicle will integrate seamlessly with Uber’s network once equipped with Wayve’s autonomous driving system.
Espinosa stated that Nissan aims to deliver “mobility intelligence to everyday life” and views the Tokyo pilot as a concrete demonstration of that vision.
Nissan (NSANY) stock increased 1.25% following the partnership announcement.
Uber stock finished the trading session up 3.61% on the day the collaboration was revealed.
