Uber Technologies (UBER) has partnered with Hinomaru Kotsu Co., Ltd. to manage the fleet operations of its autonomous-vehicle pilot in Tokyo, launching in late 2026. With a focus on compliance with Japanese transportation laws, Hinomaru Kotsu will handle daily operations including depot management, maintenance, and vehicle availability. This partnership follows a Memorandum of Understanding signed in March 2026 involving Uber, Wayve, and Nissan Motor, utilizing Nissan LEAF vehicles with AI technology from Wayve.
The pilot aims to introduce advanced robotaxi services while prioritizing safety. Experienced Hinomaru Kotsu drivers will monitor the vehicles during the initial phase. If successful, this initiative will allow Uber to expand its presence in Japan’s autonomous mobility sector while minimizing direct operational responsibilities associated with licensed taxi operators.
Uber is also expanding its robotaxi operations in Europe through collaborations with companies like WeRide and Amazon’s Zoox, aimed at launching commercial services in Zurich and Los Angeles in the coming years. Uber’s shares have seen a slight decline this year, trading at a 12-month forward price-to-sales ratio of 2.41X, indicating a relatively inexpensive valuation compared to its industry peers.
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