Key Takeaways
- A memorandum of understanding has been executed between Uber, Nissan, and Wayve to bring autonomous taxis to Tokyo.
- The trial program is scheduled for late 2026, featuring Nissan’s LEAF electric vehicle equipped with Wayve’s artificial intelligence driving technology, accessible through Uber’s app.
- Safety operators will remain in vehicles throughout the early deployment stage.
- The collaboration represents Uber’s inaugural self-driving vehicle initiative in Japan, contributing to expansion plans across more than 10 global cities.
- Wayve secured $1.2 billion in Series D funding, achieving an $8.6 billion post-money valuation.
Shares of Uber (UBER) climbed 3.61% following confirmation of a collaborative agreement with Nissan (NSANY) and British autonomous driving technology firm Wayve to introduce self-driving taxi services in Tokyo.
The partnership was formalized through a memorandum of understanding between the three entities, establishing plans for a Tokyo trial commencing in late 2026.
The initiative will integrate Wayve’s sophisticated end-to-end artificial intelligence autonomous driving platform into Nissan’s LEAF all-electric vehicle. Customers will access these rides via Uber’s established ride-hailing application.
A qualified safety driver will remain present in each vehicle during initial operations. The partners characterized this as a cautious methodology for deploying advanced autonomous technology.
Wayve initiated testing operations in Japan in early 2025. These trials concentrated on familiarizing the system with Japanese roadways, renowned for their intricate designs and rigorous safety regulations.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi highlighted that the Tokyo trial follows a forthcoming London deployment, positioning it within the company’s broader international growth strategy. The autonomous service is expected to launch across more than 10 metropolitan areas globally.
This partnership represents Uber’s first autonomous vehicle collaboration in the Japanese market. The company confirmed it will deploy the service through a licensed taxi operator and is presently evaluating potential partners.
Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa emphasized that the alliance extends the company’s ongoing collaboration with Wayve on artificial intelligence capabilities for its vehicle portfolio. He described the Tokyo trial as a logical progression of that partnership.
Wayve’s $1.2 Billion Funding Round Powers International Expansion
Wayve completed a substantial $1.2 billion Series D financing round last month. The investment valued the autonomous driving startup at $8.6 billion following the transaction.
The funding round attracted participation from Uber, Nissan, Microsoft (MSFT), Nvidia (NVDA), Mercedes-Benz (MBGAF), and Stellantis (STLA), alongside SoftBank Group. The diverse investor base spans technology giants and leading automotive manufacturers.
Wayve CEO Alex Kendall explained that the Tokyo collaboration enables the company to introduce its technology “in a responsible way” while accumulating valuable real-world operational data.
Nissan’s Contribution to the Partnership
Nissan’s LEAF electric vehicle provides the foundation for the autonomous taxi trial. The vehicle will integrate seamlessly with Uber’s platform following installation of Wayve’s autonomous system.
Espinosa stated that Nissan aims to deliver “mobility intelligence to everyday life,” noting that the Tokyo trial directly reflects this strategic objective.
Nissan (NSANY) shares increased 1.25% following the partnership announcement.
Uber stock concluded trading up 3.61% on the day the collaboration was revealed.
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