
Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) today announced that Uber Japan has signed an operational partnership agreement with one of its taxi operators, Hinomaru Kotsu Co., Ltd., to manage day-to-day fleet operations for

<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/UBER">UBER</a>) today announced that Uber Japan has signed an operational partnership agreement with one of its taxi operators, Hinomaru Kotsu Co., Ltd., to manage day-to-day fleet operations for its autonomous vehicle pilot deployment in Tokyo, scheduled to launch in late 2026. Hinomaru Kotsu will oversee depot operations, vehicle cleaning, maintenance, inspections, charging, and vehicle uptime, with Uber making these rides available to customers through its leading global ridehailing app.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
This initiative is based on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a robotaxi partnership in Japan signed on March 12, 2026, by Uber Technologies (Headquarters: California, USA; CEO: Dara Khosrowshahi), Wayve (Headquarters: London, UK; CEO: Alex Kendall), and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Yokohama, Kanagawa; President and CEO: Ivan Espinosa). By deploying Nissan LEAF equipped with Wayve’s AI Driver technology, the project aims to provide a seamless environment where riders can experience cutting-edge robotaxi services as an everyday transportation option.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Under Japanese law, passenger transport services must be operated by authorized taxi companies. This initiative is strictly designed to comply with domestic laws, regulations, and licensing requirements. Uber will provide its matching platform and operational support tools, while Hinomaru Kotsu will serve as the authorized operator responsible for fleet management. In the initial phase of the pilot rollout, safety will be the highest priority; experienced Hinomaru Kotsu drivers will be on board as safety operators to monitor behind the wheel and ensure reliable operations, as part of our phased introduction, before fully driverless operations begin in the future, subject to regulatory approval.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Comment from Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility &amp; Delivery, Uber:

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
"We are very happy to partner with Hinomaru Kotsu—a deeply trusted operator—to bring this pilot deployment to life in Tokyo. Japan’s capital features one of the most complex driving environments in the world. Hinomaru Kotsu’s extensive operational experience and rigorous safety standards, as well as Nissan&#39;s exceptional automotive engineering and Wayve’s advanced AI technology, are vital to the success of this project. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration between relevant ministries and our partners to responsibly deliver a safe, seamless, and futuristic transportation choice to riders in Japan.&#34;

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Comment from Kazutaka Tomita, President and Representative Director, Hinomaru Kotsu:

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
&#34;We are deeply honored to embark on this new challenge alongside Uber and our partners toward the commercialization of robotaxis. By fully leveraging the safety management expertise and operational know-how we have cultivated over the years, we aim to build an operational framework where both human-driven taxis and robotaxis maximize their respective strengths. As we address the pressing societal challenge of driver shortages, we are committed to building a sustainable mobility service that everyone can rely on with confidence—one where people and technology complement and enhance each other.&#34;

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">About Uber</b>

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. We started in 2010 to solve a simple problem: how do you get access to a ride at the touch of a button? More than 79 billion trips later, we&#39;re building products to get people closer to where they want to be. By changing how people, food, and things move through cities, Uber is a platform that opens up the world to new possibilities.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">About Hinomaru Katsu</b>

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
As the core company of the Hinomaru Automobile Group with a 76-year history, Hinomaru Kotsu Co., Ltd. operates taxi and hired car services in Japan. Under our vision of &#34;Driving with Heart over Skill,&#34; we strive to bring various innovations to the taxi and limousine industry, pursuing both safety and service excellence. In response to the recent surge in inbound tourism and concerns over labor shortages, we are driving initiatives around three key themes: &#34;Technology,&#34; &#34;Diversity,&#34; and &#34;Healthcare,&#34; thereby contributing to the development of the taxi and hired car industry as a vital component of public transportation.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><img xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" alt="" src="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=bwnews&amp;sty=20260812375834r1&amp;sid=benz2&amp;distro=nx&amp;lang=en" style="width:0;height:0"></img><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="bwct31415"></span></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink"><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink-phrase">View source version on businesswire.com: </span><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink-link"><a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260812375834/en/" rel="nofollow">https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260812375834/en/</a></span></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Uber: <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="mailto:press@uber.com" shape="rect">press@uber.com 
</a><br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br>Hinomaru Kotsu: <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="mailto:pr@hinomaru.tokyo" shape="rect">pr@hinomaru.tokyo</a>

</p>

UBER

Uber Partners with Hinomaru Kotsu for Robotaxi Pilot Deployment in Tokyo

Uber Japan Teams with Hinomaru Kotsu for Tokyo Robotaxi Pilot (Late 2026)

<section class="insight" data-version="1">
  <section data-block="information">
    <h3>Information</h3>
    <p>Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:UBER) today announced that Uber Japan has signed an operational partnership agreement with one of its taxi operators, Hinomaru Kotsu Co., Ltd., to manage day-to-day fleet operations for</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-paragraph">
    <h3>AI Summary</h3>
    <p>Uber Japan will rely on Hinomaru Kotsu to manage fleet operations for a robotaxi pilot in Tokyo, launching in late 2026, using Nissan LEAF cars with Wayve AI. The collaboration, tied to a March MOU with Wayve and Nissan, signals progress toward driverless rides under Japan’s regulations and could shape Uber’s global robotaxi path, though near-term financial impact remains uncertain.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="ai-summary-bullets">
    <h3>Key Points</h3>
    <ul><li>Uber Japan partners with Hinomaru Kotsu to run robotaxi pilot in Tokyo (late 2026).</li><li>MOU signed March 12, 2026 with Wayve and Nissan; uses Nissan LEAF with Wayve AI.</li><li>Pilot remains compliant with Japanese law; safety operators on board before driverless rollout pending approvals.</li><li>Uber provides platform and tools; Hinomaru Kotsu manages fleet operations and depot work.</li><li>outcome signals Uber&#039;s international robotaxi push; long-term growth potential but uncertain near-term impact.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="companies-mentioned">
    <h3>Companies Mentioned</h3>
    <ul><li><strong>Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER)</strong>: Leading ride-hailing platform; driving robotaxi collaboration in Japan; potential upside if pilot progresses.</li><li><strong>Wayve (Private)</strong>: AI driver technology partner; co-signer of the MOU; technology enabling driverless robotaxi.</li><li><strong>Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (NSANY)</strong>: Automotive partner; supplying LEAF and engineering for robotaxi; regulatory pathway in Japan.</li><li><strong>Hinomaru Kotsu Co., Ltd. (Private)</strong>: Authorized taxi operator; responsible for fleet management and local execution.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="category">
    <h3>Industry News</h3>
    <p>Industry News: Highlights cross-company collaboration in autonomous mobility and regulatory alignment in Japan, relevant to Uber&#039;s global robotaxi strategy and valuation trajectory.</p>
  </section>

  <section data-block="market-moving">
    <h3>Market-Moving</h3>
    <ul><li>Tokyo robotaxi pilot launch in late 2026 could recalibrate Asia timelines.</li><li>Nissan and Wayve involvement boosts credibility and tech access.</li><li>Safety-first rollout with human operators may delay profitability milestones.</li><li>No immediate revenue impact; stock reaction hinges on regulatory updates.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="key-facts">
    <h3>Key Facts</h3>
    <ul><li>Uber Japan signs an operational partnership with Hinomaru Kotsu Co., Ltd. to manage day-to-day fleet operations for an autonomous pilot in Tokyo.</li><li>Pilot launch is scheduled for late 2026.</li><li>An MOU was signed on March 12, 2026 by Uber, Wayve, and Nissan.</li><li>Nissan LEAF vehicles will be deployed with Wayve AI Driver technology.</li><li>Hinomaru Kotsu will oversee depot operations, cleaning, maintenance, inspections, charging, and uptime; Uber will provide platform and operational tools.</li></ul>
  </section>

  <section data-block="trading-thesis">
    <h3>Trading Thesis</h3>
    <p>Long-term bullish if Tokyo pilot progresses; near-term impact muted until 2026 regulatory milestones.</p>
  </section>
</section>


<p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/UBER">UBER</a>) today announced that Uber Japan has signed an operational partnership agreement with one of its taxi operators, Hinomaru Kotsu Co., Ltd., to manage day-to-day fleet operations for its autonomous vehicle pilot deployment in Tokyo, scheduled to launch in late 2026. Hinomaru Kotsu will oversee depot operations, vehicle cleaning, maintenance, inspections, charging, and vehicle uptime, with Uber making these rides available to customers through its leading global ridehailing app.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
This initiative is based on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a robotaxi partnership in Japan signed on March 12, 2026, by Uber Technologies (Headquarters: California, USA; CEO: Dara Khosrowshahi), Wayve (Headquarters: London, UK; CEO: Alex Kendall), and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Yokohama, Kanagawa; President and CEO: Ivan Espinosa). By deploying Nissan LEAF equipped with Wayve’s AI Driver technology, the project aims to provide a seamless environment where riders can experience cutting-edge robotaxi services as an everyday transportation option.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Under Japanese law, passenger transport services must be operated by authorized taxi companies. This initiative is strictly designed to comply with domestic laws, regulations, and licensing requirements. Uber will provide its matching platform and operational support tools, while Hinomaru Kotsu will serve as the authorized operator responsible for fleet management. In the initial phase of the pilot rollout, safety will be the highest priority; experienced Hinomaru Kotsu drivers will be on board as safety operators to monitor behind the wheel and ensure reliable operations, as part of our phased introduction, before fully driverless operations begin in the future, subject to regulatory approval.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Comment from Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility &amp; Delivery, Uber:

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
"We are very happy to partner with Hinomaru Kotsu—a deeply trusted operator—to bring this pilot deployment to life in Tokyo. Japan’s capital features one of the most complex driving environments in the world. Hinomaru Kotsu’s extensive operational experience and rigorous safety standards, as well as Nissan&#39;s exceptional automotive engineering and Wayve’s advanced AI technology, are vital to the success of this project. We look forward to continuing our close collaboration between relevant ministries and our partners to responsibly deliver a safe, seamless, and futuristic transportation choice to riders in Japan.&#34;

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Comment from Kazutaka Tomita, President and Representative Director, Hinomaru Kotsu:

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
&#34;We are deeply honored to embark on this new challenge alongside Uber and our partners toward the commercialization of robotaxis. By fully leveraging the safety management expertise and operational know-how we have cultivated over the years, we aim to build an operational framework where both human-driven taxis and robotaxis maximize their respective strengths. As we address the pressing societal challenge of driver shortages, we are committed to building a sustainable mobility service that everyone can rely on with confidence—one where people and technology complement and enhance each other.&#34;

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">About Uber</b>

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. We started in 2010 to solve a simple problem: how do you get access to a ride at the touch of a button? More than 79 billion trips later, we&#39;re building products to get people closer to where they want to be. By changing how people, food, and things move through cities, Uber is a platform that opens up the world to new possibilities.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
<b xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">About Hinomaru Katsu</b>

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
As the core company of the Hinomaru Automobile Group with a 76-year history, Hinomaru Kotsu Co., Ltd. operates taxi and hired car services in Japan. Under our vision of &#34;Driving with Heart over Skill,&#34; we strive to bring various innovations to the taxi and limousine industry, pursuing both safety and service excellence. In response to the recent surge in inbound tourism and concerns over labor shortages, we are driving initiatives around three key themes: &#34;Technology,&#34; &#34;Diversity,&#34; and &#34;Healthcare,&#34; thereby contributing to the development of the taxi and hired car industry as a vital component of public transportation.

</p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><img xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" alt="" src="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=bwnews&amp;sty=20260812375834r1&amp;sid=benz2&amp;distro=nx&amp;lang=en" style="width:0;height:0"></img><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" class="bwct31415"></span></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink"><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink-phrase">View source version on businesswire.com: </span><span xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" id="mmgallerylink-link"><a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260812375834/en/" rel="nofollow">https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260812375834/en/</a></span></p><p xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml">
Uber: <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="mailto:press@uber.com" shape="rect">press@uber.com 
</a><br xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"></br>Hinomaru Kotsu: <a xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" rel="nofollow" href="mailto:pr@hinomaru.tokyo" shape="rect">pr@hinomaru.tokyo</a>

</p>

Uber Japan will rely on Hinomaru Kotsu to manage fleet operations for a robotaxi pilot in Tokyo, launching in late 2026, using Nissan LEAF cars with Wayve AI. The collaboration, tied to a March MOU with Wayve and Nissan, signals progress toward driverless rides under Japan’s regulations and could shape Uber’s global robotaxi path, though near-term financial impact remains uncertain.

News insight

Uber Partners with Hinomaru Kotsu for Robotaxi Pilot Deployment in Tokyo

AI summary

Sentiment rationale

Key facts

Industry News