newmo and KDDI form capital alliance for autonomous taxis
The Japanese mobility company will combine its taxi operations and driving technology with KDDI infrastructure, targeting a Sakai launch in 2028.
newmo and KDDI have signed a capital alliance to develop autonomous taxi services. The partners did not disclose the financial terms. KDDI Smart Mobility also joined a three-company business agreement.
The collaboration brings together newmo’s taxi operations, dispatch systems and autonomous driving development with KDDI communications, AI computing, remote monitoring and positioning technology. The partners aim to commercialize autonomous taxis in Sakai in 2028, initially with safety drivers.
The companies will also explore offering the resulting operating systems to regional transport providers and connecting taxis with on-demand transport, buses and shuttles.
Use of funds
Develop autonomous taxi operations with KDDI infrastructure, targeting Sakai commercialization in 2028