Yamato Transport, Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), and autonomous technology firm TIER IV have been selected for a Japanese government initiative to test Level 4 autonomous trucks, aiming to evaluate safety, performance, and operational feasibility for long-haul logistics.
The project, sponsored by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), will conduct proof-of-concept testing on the Yamato Group’s Kanto–Kansai transportation route between January and February 2026. The trials are intended to collect key data supporting the development and deployment of fully autonomous freight vehicles under real-world conditions.
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“This initiative represents a significant step toward realizing the social implementation of autonomous driving technology for long-distance logistics,” a TIER IV spokesperson said in a statement. “Through collaboration with industry leaders, we aim to contribute to safer and more efficient transportation in Japan.”
The Level 4 autonomous truck, developed jointly by MFTBC and TIER IV, will feature a modified Super Great tractor paired with a Yamato Group trailer. While Yamato Transport will conduct operations under Level 2+ autonomy — where a driver remains onboard but hands-free operation is possible in some scenarios — the trials will lay the groundwork for future Level 4 applications, where the vehicle can operate independently under specific conditions.
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Verification efforts will focus on vehicle performance, safety, and travel time, as well as logistics hub services and remote vehicle management systems. Data collected during the trials will inform future improvements in automation and logistics efficiency.
Japan’s long-haul trucking sector faces mounting challenges from driver shortages and growing freight demand. The government sees autonomous driving as a key solution to maintaining logistics capacity while improving road safety and reducing operational costs.
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The partnership between Yamato Transport, MFTBC, and TIER IV marks a coordinated effort to accelerate the commercialization of autonomous trucks, aligning with Japan’s broader strategy to advance smart mobility and sustainable logistics infrastructure.
