Automotive

Japan will start field trials for self-driving buses next year, as the government aims to ease the shortage of drivers in the public transportation system.

Uber’s autonomous-vehicle unit has raised $1 billion (¥112 billion) from a consortium of investors including SoftBank Group Corp., giving the company a much-needed funding boost for its pricey self-driving ambitions ahead of its public stock offering.

SoftBank Group Corp. leader Masayoshi Son has much bigger ambitions for transportation than simply seeing his investment in Uber Technologies Inc. turn into more than $13 billion when the company goes public next month.

Toyota Motor Corp. on Tuesday unveiled the first two electric SUV models it plans to mass market in China as a major auto show got underway in Shanghai showcasing the newest vehicles by the world’s automakers.

The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry has for the first time compiled a strategy to foster professionals in artificial intelligence — key technologies for self-driving.

Nissan Motor Co. plans to invest a further 3 billion rand (¥23.9 billion) in its South African plant to prepare for production of the latest version of the Navara pickup.

With a view to getting more people riding electric motorcycles, four major motorcycle makers in the nation are considering a unified standard for batteries, charging stations and other facilities, informed sources said Tuesday.

Panasonic has begun test operation of an electric-vehicle charging station in India, seeking to tap growing demand amid a government push to popularize the environmentally friendly autos.

Leading Japanese auto parts maker Denso will spend about 180 billion yen ($1.6 billion) over three years to strengthen its ability to produce components for hybrid and electric vehicles as demand for low-emission cars is set to grow.

Toyota Motor, General Motors and Ford Motor will work together to establish common safety standards for automated driving, the automakers said Wednesday.