Cruise Self-Driving Robotaxi Going Global Amid US Backlash

The Cruise Origin, introduced in 2020, is a self-driving vehicle without a driver’s seat and steering wheel. It can accommodate up to six people aboard, sitting face-to-face.

The first batch of Cruise Origins is expected to roll out in central Tokyo, starting with a dozen units. The company will eventually increase this to a fleet of 500 units, expanding further in areas outside Japan’s capital. The service is claimed to answer Japan’s societal issues, such as the shortage of taxi and bus drivers.

“Honda has been a key partner with Cruise for several years and we’re excited to offer safer and more accessible transportation to customers in Tokyo,” said Kyle Vogt, CEO of Cruise. “All of our work scaling in dense urban US markets will position us well to address the huge opportunity for autonomous vehicles in Japan.”