Nissan and DeNA Announce Plans to Test Self-Driving Car Service in Japan

Easy Ride, a joint venture between Nissan and DeNA, will begin a field test for a self-driving car service in Japan on March 5, Nissan announced.

The trial will allow participants to travel in autonomous vehicles along a set route. It will take place in the Minatomirai district of Yokohama. The 4.5-kilometer route goes from Nissan’s global headquarters to the Yokohama World Porters shopping center.

Users will be able to navigate Easy Ride’s service via a dedicated mobile app. Passengers will able to use the app to choose from a list of recommended destinations, as well as interact with an in-vehicle tablet that will show nearby points of interest.

Riders will be asked to take a survey after their ride is complete. Nissan and DeNA plan to use the survey results to continue to develop the Easy Ride service.

As part of the trial, the companies have set up a remote monitoring center to ensure efficient operation of the vehicles and provide peace of mind for travelers.