The US and German carmakers have been working on self driving car technology for a long time now. Considering the future of autonomous cars, Japan has stepped up to create an association where its three biggest automobile giants (Honda, Nissan, Toyota) will be developing possible techniques and software in collaboration with local educational institutes, like University of Tokyo and Nagoya University and electronic companies (such as Panasonic and Hitachi ). All these organisations will brainstorm on regulations and budding self-driving car technology.
First off, the project will focus on making communications more powerful and safer. Private firms (yet to be decided) will be in charge to develop the infrastructure and vehicle to vehicle communication systems.
Reportedly, a total investment of JPY 10 billion ($84 million) will be made in the start. Every firm venturing into autonomous car technology is looking to introduce their production cars by 2020. Hopefully, the Japanese big 3 automakers won’t be short to introduce theirs.