Suzuki Motor Corporation is collaborating with Nagoya-based startup Tier IV to develop self-driving technology for minicars, targeting the unique needs of Japan’s less-populated regions. This partnership aims to address the demand for compact autonomous vehicles capable of navigating the narrow and winding roads typical of rural areas.
Suzuki has underwritten part of an NT$8 billion (approximately $50 million) capital increase by Tier IV, a company specializing in autonomous driving technology. Tier IV will create an automated driving prototype using existing Suzuki vehicles, leveraging the expertise gained for future Suzuki models.
The two companies have a history of collaboration, having jointly test-driven a car equipped with Tier IV’s system in 2022. Tier IV, established in 2015, promotes Autoware, an open-source operating system for self-driving cars developed with contributions from Nagoya University and the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology.
Autoware’s open-source nature allows Tier IV to partner with global companies, accelerating the development of advanced autonomous driving solutions. Besides Suzuki, Tier IV has attracted investments from Yamaha Motor, Isuzu Motors, Sompo Holdings, and Mitsubishi Corp., each aiming to integrate autonomous technology into their services and products.
Suzuki, which held 34% of new minivehicle sales in fiscal 2023, sees autonomous technology as crucial for growth, particularly in assisting elderly drivers in rural areas. Despite spending significantly less on R&D compared to rivals Honda and Nissan, Suzuki’s adoption of open-source technology promises to reduce development costs while advancing its autonomous vehicle capabilities.
