Isuzu unveiled the first ever dedicated autonomous driving test course for commercial vehicles in Mukawa, Hokkaido, a Full-scale operations starting in summer 2027, fueling real-world implementation of autonomous trucks and buses.
Isuzu Motors Limited, headquartered in Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan, will establish a new dedicated autonomous driving test course (“Test Course”) within the grounds of Isuzu Hokkaido Proving Ground Co., Ltd., a member of the Isuzu Group.
This initiative aims to accelerate efforts to fuel the adoption of Level 4 autonomous trucks and buses. Further, Isuzu plans to open the test course to companies and organizations outside the Isuzu Group, including autonomous driving startups, automotive parts suppliers, as well as the transport infrastructure sector, thereby helping advance the deployment of autonomous driving technologies throughout society.
The new test course will be developed on approximately 190,000 m2 within the vast grounds of IHPG. The course will offer multiple testing areas, such as simulated urban streets, highway merging and exiting sections, and rural roads. The location will also be equipped with various traffic infrastructure.
The initiative focuses to enhance autonomous driving technology and facilitate its implementation; it is essential to collect a sufficient volume and quality of data through actual driving trials on public roads.
Executive Statement
According to Hiroshi Sato, Senior Executive Officer, VP of the Engineering Division, this test course is essential infrastructure for the Isuzu Group as we strive to lead the world in autonomous driving for commercial vehicles. They hope that in a few years, it will become a hub for open innovation, a center for autonomous driving where various companies and organizations collaborate on research and development.
According to Ken Ueda, Senior Executive Officer, EVP of the Engineering Division, autonomous driving solutions will be a future pillar of Isuzu's business. The Isuzu Group will contribute to the advancement of autonomous driving technology through the operation of this test course, pioneering a future of safe and secure mobility to help realize a society free of accidents.