Auto Rental News
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Via Expands Japanese Commuter Service

Leading Tokyo-based urban developer Mori Building began its partnership with Via in August 2018, developing the on-demand mobility HillsVia solution for travel between Mori Building properties, such as Roppongi Hills and Toranomon Hills.

April 16, 2019
Via Expands Japanese Commuter Service

Via’s technology efficiently works to aggregate multiple passengers into shared vehicles, reducing single-occupancy vehicle trips, improving traffic congestion, and curtailing carbon emissions.

Photo courtesy of Via. 

2 min to read


Via has formed a strategic partnership with ITOCHU Corporation and Mori Building Company, expanding its commuter service for Mori employees and its on-demand transportation solutions across Japan.

Via is able to seamlessly integrate with existing fixed-route transportation infrastructure, helping to fill in gaps where existing transit isn’t easily accessible. Via’s technology efficiently works to aggregate multiple passengers into shared vehicles, reducing single-occupancy vehicle trips, improving traffic congestion, and curtailing carbon emissions.

Ad Loading...

The easy-to-use mobile interface is suited to riders of all ages.

As one of the country’s largest general trading companies, ITOCHU has a deep understanding of the Japanese consumer market, leading the pack when it comes to investing in transformative technologies like Via that will both innovate transportation and solve local governments’ most pressing issues. 

Leading Tokyo-based urban developer Mori Building began its partnership with Via in August 2018, developing the on-demand mobility HillsVia solution for travel between Mori Building properties, such as Roppongi Hills and Toranomon Hills. Using the Via-powered HillsVia mobile app, Mori Building employees can book rides in high-end V-Class vans provided by Mercedes-Benz to move amongst the properties. 

In partnership with ITOCHU and Mori Building, Via aims to provide Japanese transportation companies and drivers with new technology that will both improve their organizational profitability, as well as solve social problems throughout Japan.

Via has been tapped by cities and transit authorities in more than 60 markets in 15 countries around the world, including several deployments in Asia. 

More Rental Operations

Photos of CEOs Colm Brady and Francois Kruger on a blue background and above a headline.
Telematicsby News/Media ReleaseMay 22, 2026

RentalMatics, GeoInt Partner On Rental Car Speed Tracking Tech

Rental operators can now detect and act on speeding while vehicles are still on rent, thereby reducing fines, admin workload, vehicle wear, and safety risks.

Read More →
NextPass 407 ETR

NextPass Expands Toll Payment Service to Highway In Toronto

Fleets and consumer can use a transponder-less option when traveling between Canada and the U.S.

Read More →
A black Jeep is displayed at the Zubie-Bosch-TSD exhibit during the International Car Rental Show.

Zubie, PurCo Integrate Rental Damage Detection With Telematics

The combination brings actionable vehicle insights into PurCo’s PurInspect platform, improving damage detection and operational efficiency for rental fleets.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
50 states map showing LOR rates for each state with different shades of light to dark green

U.S. Length Of Rental (LOR) Declines Slightly in Q1 2026

LOR related to insurance claims overall continues to trend downward, but ongoing market and economic conditions could affect future results while the industry deals with staffing and productivity challenges.

Read More →
Illustration of a driverless futuristic front seat/dashboard view of other cars on a freeway with city skyline on horizon.

Hertz, Uber Deepen Roles In Self-Driving And Driver-Led Fleet Services

The business arrangement connects demand with scalable fleet management services and supports a range of mobility uses.

Read More →
A tech collage of electronic devices against a computer chip blueprint map.
Rental OperationsMay 1, 2026

Why Car Rental Can No Longer Run On Workarounds

The shift from branch-based software to connected operations is turning rental technology into strategic infrastructure.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
A tech collage of electronic devices against a computer chip blueprint map.
Rental OperationsMay 1, 2026

Why Car Rental Can No Longer Run On Workarounds

The shift from branch-based software to connected operations is turning rental technology into strategic infrastructure.

Read More →
A black Audi SUV superimposed on a historic scene from downtown Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Carwiz Sets Up Rental Operations In Central Asia

The global franchise operation reaches a first in its rental fleet portfolio with new service in Uzbekistan.

Read More →
A raging brushfire in the countryside.
Rental Operationsby Martin RomjueApril 30, 2026

Where Rental Fleets Must Adjust To Shifting Catastrophe Risks

West Coast disasters pose unique challenges and liabilities for rental fleet operators, who are advised to take steps tailored to their specific situations.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
ARN Industry Newsmakers thumbnail page with ARN and ICRS logos and shots of Nick DiPrima and Martin Romjue
Rental Operationsby Martin RomjueApril 27, 2026

Using AI To Find Rental Car Damage

Angry car renters are storming social media, the mainstream media, and online ratings platforms to complain about charges they claim are either unfounded or excessive.

Read More →
Ad Loading...