Silicon Valley-based vehicle software provider Applied Intuition and Japanese commercial vehicle manufacturer Isuzu Motors have forged a strategic partnership to develop autonomous trucsking solution. This collaboration is aimed at bolstering Isuzu’s efforts to improve commercial logistics in Japan, particularly in light of the ongoing shortage of truck drivers.
Announced in April 2024, Isuzu’s mid-term management plan, titled “Isuzu Transformation – Growth to 2030 (IX),” outlines a strategy focused on automated driving solution as a key growth area. By leveraging Applied Intuition’s cutting-edge technology, which facilitates the development, validation, and deployment of autonomous systems, Isuzu intends to speed up its autonomy projects and play a pivotal role in addressing the critical challenges posed by the driver shortage in Japan.
Shinsuke Minami, representative director, president, and COO of Isuzu Motors Ltd., emphasized the significance of this partnership, stating, “Collaborating with Applied Intuition will significantly advance our autonomous driving technology and provide a robust foundation for Isuzu’s plan to launch an autonomous trucking business. This strategic alliance will be a powerful catalyst in our mission to create and deliver solutions that address the challenges faced by our customers and society.”
Japan’s trucking industry is grappling with significant challenges, with overwork among drivers emerging as a major public health issue. According to Isuzu, a staggering 84% of truck drivers report health issues linked to their work, with the industry responsible for 34.3% of overwork-related deaths in the country.
In response to these alarming trends, the Japanese government has amended the Labor Standards Law, capping annual work hours, including breaks, at 3,300 hours. This new regulation has exacerbated concerns about the existing driver shortage, as the industry already faces a predicted decline in the number of drivers by 2030—a looming crisis referred to as “The 2024 Problem.”
Qasar Younis, co-founder and CEO of Applied Intuition, underscored the importance of their role in the partnership, saying, “At Applied Intuition, our mission is to empower OEMs to integrate next-generation technology into their vehicles. In this partnership with Isuzu, we’re advancing the development of commercial trucking autonomy.”
Through this collaboration, Isuzu and Applied Intuition are not only aiming to accelerate the deployment of autonomous trucking technologies but also to contribute significantly to solving the pressing issues that Japan’s trucking industry is currently facing. The partnership is poised to be a game-changer in the industry, with the potential to reshape the future of commercial logistics in Japan.
