Uber Partners with Hinomaru Kotsu to Launch Tokyo Robotaxi Service in Late 2026

Uber's Tokyo Robotaxi Plans Strengthen Its Japan Push - Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER)

Uber Partners With Hinomaru Kotsu For Tokyo Robotaxi Pilot Uber Japan signed an operational partnership with Hinomaru Kotsu Co., Ltd. to manage fleet operations for a Tokyo robotaxi pilot scheduled to launch in late 2026. Hinomaru Kotsu will oversee depot operations, vehicle cleaning, maintenance, inspections, charging and vehicle uptime. Uber will make the rides available through its ride-hailing app. The pilot will use Nissan LEAF vehicles equipped with Wayve's AI Driver technology and builds on a March 12, 2026 memorandum of understanding among Uber, Wayve and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. for a robotaxi partnership in Japan. Safety And Regulatory Framework Under the arrangement, Hinomaru Kotsu will act as the authorized taxi operator in accordance with Japanese passenger transport laws and licensing requirements. At the same time, Uber will provide its matching platform and operational support tools. Experienced Hinomaru Kotsu drivers will initially remain behind the wheel as safety operators. Fully driverless operations could follow in the future, subject to regulatory approval. "We are very happy to partner with Hinomaru Kotsu -- a deeply trusted operator -- to bring this pilot deployment to life in Tokyo," said Sarfraz Maredia, Uber's Global Head of Autonomous Mobility & Delivery. UBER Technicals Signal Improving Momentum The stock is currently trading at $75.47, which is about 5.3% above its 20-day simple moving average (SMA) of $71.77. Despite this positive positioning, the 50-day SMA is at $72.08, indicating a bearish crossover as the 20-day SMA is below the 50-day SMA. Momentum indicators show that the moving average convergence divergence (MACD) is above its signal line, suggesting that downside pressure is easing, which may support a potential upward trend. The stock has faced a significant decline of 17.03% over the past 12 months, indicating a challenging year despite recent gains. * Key Resistance: $78.50 -- a nearby level where rebounds can stall. * Key Support: $69.50 -- a nearby level where buyers previously stepped in. Wall Street Remains Bullish On Uber The stock carries a Buy rating with an average price forecast of $103.95. Recent analyst moves include: * Roth Capital: Buy (Lowers Target to $100.00) (August 10) * Jefferies: Buy (Raises Target to $110.00) (August 10) * DA Davidson: Buy (Lowers Target to $100.00) (August 6) UBER ETF Exposure: Funds With The Largest Allocations Significance: Because UBER carries significant weight in these funds, any significant inflows or outflows for these ETFs will likely force automatic buying or selling of the stock. UBER Stock Price Activity: Uber Technologies shares were trading 0.45% higher at $75.70 during premarket trading on Thursday, according to Benzinga Pro data. Image via Shutterstock This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors. Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs To add Benzinga News as your preferred source on Google, click here.

Uber Japan Signs Operational Partnership Agreement with Hinomaru Kotsu to Manage Autonomous Vehicle Pilot Deployment in Tokyo

Uber Technologies, Inc. announced that Uber Japan has signed an operational partnership agreement with one of its taxi operators, Hinomaru Kotsu Co. Ltd., to manage day-to-day fleet operations for its autonomous vehicle pilot deployment in Tokyo, scheduled to launch in late 2026. Hinomaru Kotsu will oversee depot operations, vehicle cleaning, maintenance, inspections, charging, and vehicle uptime, with Uber making these rides available to customers through its global ridehailing app. This initiative is based on the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a robotaxi partnership in Japan signed on March 12, 2026, by Uber Technologies, Wayve, and Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. By deploying Nissan LEAF equipped with Wayve?s AI Driver technology, the project aims to provide a seamless environment where riders can experience robotaxi services as an everyday transportation option. Under Japanese law, passenger transport services must be operated by authorized taxi companies. This initiative is strictly designed to comply with domestic laws, regulations, and licensing requirements. Uber will provide its matching platform and operational support tools, while Hinomaru Kotsu will serve as the authorized operator responsible for fleet management. In the initial phase of the pilot rollout, experienced Hinomaru Kotsu drivers will be on board as safety operators to monitor behind the wheel and ensure reliable operations, as part of a phased introduction, before fully driverless operations begin in the future, subject to regulatory approval.

Uber partners with Hinomaru Kotsu on robotaxis in Tokyo

Hinomaru Kotsu will oversee depot operations, cleaning, maintenance, inspections, charging and vehicle availability, while Uber will make these rides accessible to customers through its flagship global ride-hailing app. This initiative builds on the memorandum of understanding for a robotaxi partnership in Japan, signed on March 12 by Uber, Wayve and Nissan Motor. By deploying the Nissan LEAF equipped with Wayve's AI Driver technology, the project aims to provide a seamless environment that allows users to benefit from leading-edge robotaxi services as a daily transportation option. 'The Japanese capital presents one of the most complex driving environments in the world,' notes Sarfraz Maredia, global head of autonomous mobility and delivery at the US services platform. 'Hinomaru Kotsu's extensive operational experience and rigorous safety standards, along with Nissan's outstanding automotive engineering and Wayve's advanced AI technology, are essential to this project's success,' he continues.