Japan’s largest telecommunications company, NTT, has announced plans to test driverless vehicles in collaboration with Toyota and to make a strategic investment in US autonomous-vehicle startup May Mobility.
An NTT spokesperson said the company expects to begin trials featuring autonomous buses and taxis as early as 2025. As part of that effort, NTT will invest around 10 billion yen (about $66.9 million) in May Mobility to support development and deployment of self-driving systems.
Earlier reports suggested NTT and Toyota might jointly develop vehicles, but both companies have since denied plans for joint vehicle manufacturing. Still, NTT’s investment in May Mobility fits with its broader strategy to advance autonomous driving technology through partnerships and targeted investments.
May Mobility, headquartered in Michigan, has previously attracted interest from Japanese investors. For example, Tokio Marine, the Tokyo-based insurance holding company, participated in May Mobility’s $111 million funding round last year.
NTT’s move follows a pattern of increased activity in Japan’s autonomous vehicle sector. In October, Honda announced a joint venture with General Motors and GM’s robotaxi unit Cruise, aiming to launch a driverless ride service in Japan by early 2026.
Despite growing momentum and investment, the autonomous driving industry still faces regulatory and safety challenges. Cruise recently suspended its driverless operations in the US after a regulatory order issued in response to an accident highlighted ongoing concerns about reliability and oversight.
As telecom operators, automakers and technology startups deepen collaboration, Japan is preparing for a future where self-driving buses, taxis and ride services play a larger role in daily mobility—subject to regulatory approval and continued progress on safety and performance.
(Photo by Chandler Cruttenden on Unsplash)
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