PlusAI has entered into a strategic partnership with Tokyo-based technology company T2 to introduce Level 4 autonomous trucking solutions to Japan, marking a significant step forward for the country’s freight and logistics sector. The announcement comes at a pivotal moment for PlusAI, which is also preparing to go public through a planned business combination with Churchill Capital Corp IX.
Japan’s logistics industry has been under growing strain in recent years, driven by a chronic shortage of commercial drivers, an aging workforce, and steadily increasing freight volumes. Against this backdrop, PlusAI and T2 believe that highly automated trucking systems could play a crucial role in stabilizing and modernizing the nation’s supply chain. By reducing reliance on human drivers for long-haul transport, autonomous trucks are expected to improve road safety, increase operational consistency, and boost overall productivity.
The partnership brings together complementary strengths from both companies. T2 contributes deep local knowledge, including vehicle system design, regulatory understanding, and logistics operations tailored to the Japanese market. PlusAI, meanwhile, offers extensive experience gained from deploying autonomous truck technology in commercial environments across the United States and Europe. Together, the companies aim to adapt proven autonomous driving solutions to meet Japan’s unique road conditions, infrastructure, and operational requirements.
As part of the collaboration, global investment firm Mitsui has made a strategic investment in PlusAI, reinforcing confidence in the company’s technology and long-term vision. The involvement of Mitsui is also expected to support localization efforts and strengthen relationships within Japan’s transportation and industrial sectors.
David Liu, co-founder and chief executive officer of PlusAI, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to aligning advanced technology with local expertise. He emphasized that Japan presents a distinct freight ecosystem with specific operational challenges, and that success depends on combining global deployment experience with a nuanced understanding of local needs. According to Liu, working alongside T2 and with the backing of Mitsui positions PlusAI to make meaningful progress toward real-world autonomous trucking in Japan.
T2’s chief executive officer, Masatomo Kumabe, echoed those sentiments, noting that the company’s mission centers on strengthening Japan’s logistics infrastructure through the practical application of autonomous driving technologies. He highlighted PlusAI’s track record in international markets as a key factor in accelerating development and deployment timelines. Kumabe added that the collaboration aims to deliver tangible improvements in safety, efficiency, and freight capacity for Japanese operators.
Looking ahead, the companies plan to focus on phased testing, validation, and eventual commercial deployment of Level 4 autonomous trucks, working closely with regulators and industry stakeholders. If successful, the initiative could help redefine long-haul freight transportation in Japan and serve as a model for integrating autonomous systems into complex, high-demand logistics networks.
