Autonomous A2Z Enters Japanese Autonomous Driving Market in Partnership with Kanematsu

Laying the Foundation for Autonomous Driving Commercialization in Japan
Pursuing Global Joint Commercialization, Including Consideration of JV Establishment

Autonomous A2Z announced on August 5 that it has entered into a partnership with Japanese general trading company Kanematsu to make a full-scale entry into the Japanese autonomous driving market.

On August 4, Autonomous A2Z signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Kanematsu for the joint commercialization of autonomous driving technology. The signing ceremony was attended by Han Ji-hyung, CEO of Autonomous A2Z, and Okamoto Koichiro, Head of Vehicle-Mounted Parts at Kanematsu, among others.

Through this agreement, the two companies will work together to introduce and demonstrate Autonomous A2Z’s autonomous driving technology in the Japanese market, jointly address local certifications and regulations, and review the possibility of establishing a joint venture (JV). Kanematsu will leverage its extensive network to focus on mobility business activities in both Japan and global markets, as well as on establishing local systems in Japan. A2Z will integrate its latest autonomous driving technology locally and, when necessary, dispatch specialized personnel to support practical cooperation.

Kanematsu is a Japanese general trading company founded in 1889, with a 136-year history. It operates global businesses in various fields, including mobility, aerospace, ICT solutions, electronics and devices, food, steel, materials, and plant engineering.

Autonomous AtoZ signed an MOU with Japanese general trading company Kanematsu and declared its entry into the Japanese autonomous driving market. (Left in the photo) Koichiro Okamoto, Head of Vehicle-Mounted Parts Division 1 at Kanematsu, is taking a commemorative photo. Photo by Autonomous AtoZ

In Japan, the rapid aging of the population and regional population decline have led to a reduction in local transportation services, resulting in a surge in demand for autonomous driving technology. In April 2023, Japan amended its Road Traffic Act to allow 'Level 4' autonomous driving?fully unmanned operation under certain conditions?thus establishing an institutional foundation. The two companies plan to contribute to solving key issues facing Japanese society, such as expanding autonomous driving in regional areas, addressing labor shortages, and enhancing transportation safety.

Autonomous A2Z is a leader in K-autonomous driving, operating 55 autonomous vehicles in 13 domestic regions and holding the record for the longest cumulative autonomous driving distance in Korea?approximately 680,000 kilometers. Building on these achievements, the company is also carrying out national-level projects overseas in countries such as Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, and is collaborating with innovative companies like Grab and Space42. In the "2024 Global Autonomous Driving Technology Rankings" announced by U.S. market research firm Guidehouse, Autonomous A2Z was the only Korean company to be ranked 11th, demonstrating its global competitiveness.

Han Ji-hyung, CEO of Autonomous A2Z, stated, "Kanematsu is a powerful partner capable of connecting the autonomous driving industry with Japan’s social systems, thanks to its long history. Through this collaboration, we aim to lead mobility innovation in Japan based on A2Z’s autonomous driving technology and to expand our business in global markets."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.