Isuzu Motors and Applied Intuition Partner to Develop Autonomous Trucking Solutions!
By Ashutosh Arora
Isuzu Motors, a leading Japanese commercial vehicle manufacturer, has entered into a strategic partnership with Applied Intuition, a Silicon Valley-based vehicle software supplier, to co-develop autonomous trucking technologies. The collaboration aims to optimize commercial logistics and address the critical shortage of truck drivers.
In Japan, overworked truck drivers are considered a public health risk, with nearly 84% of drivers experiencing health-related issues due to excessive work hours. Alarmingly, truck drivers account for 34.3% of overwork-related deaths in the country. In response, the Japanese government recently revised its Labor Standards Law, limiting annual working hours to 3,300 hours, including breaks. This has raised concerns about a looming driver shortage, with the industry expected to lose 36% of its workforce by 2030, a challenge known as “The 2024 Problem.” This situation is anticipated to significantly impact supply chains and Japan’s globally recognized service sector.
The partnership between Isuzu Motors and Applied Intuition is expected to enhance logistics services and mitigate the driver shortage by advancing autonomous driving technologies in Japan. In April 2024, Isuzu Motors announced its mid-term management plan, “ISUZU Transformation – Growth to 2030 (IX),” which emphasizes the development of automated driving solutions as a new business line. Applied Intuition’s technology will play a crucial role in enabling automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to implement safe and intelligent autonomous systems, with a strong focus on testing and deploying these technologies effectively.
