Toyota Motor North America has announced plans to assemble an all-new, three-row, battery electric SUV at its Kentucky plant, set to roll off the assembly line in 2025. This will be the auto giant’s first Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) assembled in the U.S., and its batteries will be sourced from Toyota’s North Carolina battery plant. The battery plant, currently under […]
Industry News
Japan’s Dining-Out Market Sees Rebound in April Amid Easing COVID-19 Restrictions
Despite enduring tough conditions due to the ongoing pandemic, Japan’s dining-out market appeared to be on an uptrend in April, driven by eased mask regulations and anticipation of the COVID-19 situation transitioning to the fifth stage. A surge in demand during farewell and welcome parties, as well as spring vacations, further fueled this trend. According to the data published by […]
Autonomous Cars Find Varied Global Acceptance: Asahi Kasei Survey
According to a recent global survey conducted by Japanese tech company Asahi Kasei, acceptance and usage of autonomous cars differ widely across the world’s four largest automotive markets: Germany, China, the USA, and Japan. The study was conducted in partnership with Skopos, a market research institute based in Cologne. The survey showed that despite an overall decline in brand loyalty, […]
Hitachi Astemo Develops Autonomous Driving Technology for Safe Navigation on Narrow Roads
Hitachi Astemo has unveiled a new autonomous driving technology that uses 3D sensing to ensure safe and smooth navigation past oncoming vehicles on narrow roads and similar challenging situations. The company plans to enhance its cost competitiveness through the utilization of 3D sensing data captured by novel stereo cameras that offer improved cost benefits. The demand for autonomous driving solutions […]
Denso Launches Pilot Program to Eliminate CO2 Emissions
Denso has launched a new pilot program at its Nishio Plant in Japan as part of its ongoing efforts to completely eradicate CO2 emissions from its facilities. For several years, Denso has been focusing on the maximization of its Two Great Causes: Green and Peace of Mind. These principles are embedded within the company’s long-term policy for 2030, which is […]
Komatsu and Toyota to Develop Autonomous Light Vehicle for Mining Operations
Komatsu and Toyota have announced a joint venture to create an Autonomous Light Vehicle (ALV) that will integrate with Komatsu’s Autonomous Haulage System (AHS). The project aims to bolster safety and increase productivity in mining operations through advanced autonomous technologies. The ALV is currently undergoing testing at the companies’ proving grounds, and the partnership plans to have a proof of […]
Hitachi and Toshiba to Build Next-generation High Speed Trains for Taiwan
The Hitachi Toshiba Supreme Consortium (HTSC), consisting of Hitachi, Toshiba and Toshiba Infrastructure Systems & Solutions, has been awarded an order by the Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation (THSRC) to manufacture 12 sets of next-generation high-speed trains. The contract, valued at around 124 billion yen ($900 million), will see the consortium deliver 144 train cars based on the advanced N700S […]
Isuzu and Honda to Develop Fuel Cell-Powered Heavy-Duty Truck
Isuzu Motors and Honda Motor have signed a partnership agreement to develop a fuel cell-powered heavy-duty truck set for release in 2027. Under this agreement, Honda will develop and supply the fuel cell system for Isuzu’s forthcoming truck. The two companies have jointly developed a prototype fuel cell truck that has been licensed for use on public roads in Japan. […]
Fujitsu’s AI Technology Powers Toyota Gazoo Racing’s New Video Analysis System
Fujitsu is supporting the development of Toyota Gazoo Racing’s new video analysis system, using its advanced AI technology. The system made its debut at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps racing event, held from April 27 to 29 at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium. Fujitsu’s sponsorship of Toyota Gazoo Racing, a participant in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), began […]
Mitsubishi Launches $400M Fund to Support Decarbonization
Mitsubishi Corporation has launched the Marunouchi Climate Tech Growth Fund, a new initiative aimed at investing in companies focused on climate tech and decarbonization. The fund is managed by Marunouchi Innovation Partners (MIP), a company jointly established by Mitsubishi, MUFG Bank (MUBK), and Pavilion Private Equity (PPE). With an initial closing of $400 million in capital commitments from investors, MIP […]
New Japan Cosmetic Industry Association Aims to Strengthen and Transform Cosmetic Industry
The Japan Cosmetic Industry Association (JCIA), chaired by Masahiko Uotani, CEO of Shiseido, was established on April 1, 2023, as a result of the integration of the Japan Cosmetic Industry Federation, the Tokyo Cosmetic Industry Association, the Chubu Cosmetic Industry Association, and the West Japan Cosmetic Industry Association. The JCIA aims to promote the sound development of the cosmetic industry […]
Japan Grants First Level 4 Autonomous Vehicle Approval
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) have announced the country’s first approval for a Level 4 autonomous vehicle system. The approval, granted on March 30, is part of the RoAD to the L4 project, a joint initiative aimed at developing advanced mobility services. The project, launched in 2021, […]
Japan Launches Ouranos Initiative for Cross-Border Data Sharing and Collaboration
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), in collaboration with the Information Processing Promotion Agency (IPA), the Digital Architecture Design Center (DADC), and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), has announced the “Ouranos Ecosystem” initiative. This project aims to design, research, develop, and promote the adoption of architecture for seamless collaboration between various information processing systems […]
Japan Expands Investment Opportunities for Limited Partnership Funds
In a recent press release, the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has shed light on investment opportunities in security tokens and blockchain-based assets for Limited Partnership Funds (LPS). The new clarifications will enable LPS to expand their investment options and potentially boost the growth of digital assets in Japan. Security Tokens under the Financial Instruments and Exchange […]
JAMA Releases 2022 Standard Truck Market Trend Survey
The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) recently published the results of its biennial “Standard Truck Market Trend Survey” for fiscal 2022. The survey aims to provide a chronological overview of heavy-duty truck ownership, purchase, and usage patterns, as well as changes in transportation needs, responses, and the market environment surrounding the logistics industry. In contrast to the previous shipper survey […]
