Nissan Expands Autonomous Driving Trials in Japan for 2026
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Nissan is expanding its autonomous driving trials in Kobe, Japan, with Level 2 Serena-based vehicles, smartphone ride bookings and remote monitoring, ahead of planned paid autonomous mobility services in 2027
Japanese automaker Nissan has announced the expansion of its autonomous mobility service in Kobe, Japan, introducing a larger operating area, smartphone-based ride bookings and centralised vehicle monitoring. Applications opened on October 14, 2026, ahead of trials scheduled for December. Building on field tests conducted in fiscal year 2025, the programme will operate in Kobe's Nada Gogo district, known for its sake breweries, and surrounding areas. The initiative aims to assess how autonomous transport can improve tourist mobility, gain public acceptance and support regional revitalisation. Nissan aims to introduce paid services in selected areas during fiscal year 2027, followed by full commercial operations in the Nada Gogo area by fiscal year 2030.
Nissan Serena Autonomous Driving Trials Begin in December 2026
The expanded Nissan Serena autonomous driving trial will take place from December 8 to 18, 2026, operating on weekdays throughout the testing period.
The programme will use specially developed Nissan Serena-based vehicles equipped with SAE Level 2 driver-assistance technology, with a safety driver onboard to supervise vehicle operations.
Participants will be able to book rides through a smartphone-based on-demand reservation and dispatch system, allowing them to travel between designated pickup and drop-off locations.
Approximately 100 participants are being recruited for the free trials, with applications open from October 14 to November 13, 2026. Applicants must be at least 18 years old, although minors may join when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Participants must also meet boarding requirements and agree to filming, interviews and surveys.
If applications exceed the available places, Nissan will select participants through a lottery, with successful applicants expected to receive confirmation in late November.
Participants will also have an opportunity to observe the remote monitoring technology supporting the trial.
Nissan to Monitor Autonomous Vehicles Remotely From Yokohama
A key feature is centralised monitoring of autonomous vehicles operating in both Kobe and Yokohama.
Nissan's Remote Operations Center in Yokohama will monitor vehicles in real time across the Yokohama Minato Mirai/Kannai district and Kobe's Nada Gogo district.
The system aims to demonstrate how multiple autonomous mobility operations can be monitored from one location, potentially improving efficiency and reducing the operational burden on local communities.
Nissan Targets Commercial Autonomous Mobility Services by 2030
The Nissan autonomous driving project in Kobe brings together four organisations, each supporting a different aspect of the programme:
Kobe City: Responsible for overall project administration.
Nada Gogo Sake Brewers Association: Providing pickup and drop-off locations while exploring connections with local breweries.
Moplus Inc.: Supporting service operations and the development of an operational framework.
Nissan: Planning and operating the pilot programme, including supplying and operating the vehicles.
The initiative forms part of Japan's Digital Agency programme supporting the early commercialisation of autonomous driving services. It is also supported by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's fiscal year 2026 programme focused on regional public transport and autonomous driving deployment.
Looking ahead, Nissan plans to continue expanding autonomous mobility trials across Japan, developing transport solutions suited to regional requirements while progressing towards paid services in fiscal year 2027 and wider commercial operations by fiscal year 2030.
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