Isuzu to start public autonomous truck demo in Japan by Jan. 2026

MANILA: Isuzu Motors Limited is set to start a public demonstration of its level four autonomous driving technology in January 2026. The aforementioned will involve the company’s self-driving heavy-duty truck based on the latest version of the Giga 8x4 model

Per the company, the truck will be incorporated into the company’s Japan-based supply chain. Specifically, it will run between the manufacturer’s Iwafune Parts Center in Tochigi and the Chubu Parts Center in Aichi. The aforementioned route will fall into the purview of Isuzu Logistics Corporation Limited. 

As the company shared further, the goal of this public demonstration is to find out if autonomous driving trucks can mean faster delivery times. The company is likewise seeking to verify the truck’s capabilities in various weather conditions. Moreover, this will also put to the test Isuzu’s autonomous operation support personnel, namely its remote monitoring staff and safety crew. 

And of course, the autonomous driving test will supply Isuzu with the right know-how in realizing a real-world application for the technology. This pertains to cargo loading and unloading as one of the demonstration’s first steps. 

The second step will be carried out starting in 2027, wherein it will involve different logistics-related situations, such as the dispatch of emergency services and dealing with cargo hubs. By this time, the corporation says it will have fielded an additional 30 units that are capable of end-to-end driving through more complex traffic situations. Currently, the aforementioned capability is still in development. 

The final step, meanwhile, will involve the official launch of level four autonomous driving trucks. This is targeted to happen in 2028, provided the earlier steps will net a positive (and safe) result. 

To note, the public demonstration of the autonomous Isuzu Giga heavy-duty truck will be limited to just one unit when it starts operations in 2026. It will travel five days a week through the Surugawan-Numazu service area to the Hamamatsu service area of the Shin-Tomei Expressway. All trips of the self-driving Isuzu Giga will involve a safety driver, who will be on board the truck at all times. 

Earlier in the year, Isuzu announced that it would create an autonomous test drive course in Hokkaido in 2027. The company’s recent update regarding its planned public test in 2026, however, is indicative of its eagerness to accelerate the development of its in-house autonomous driving technology. 

Other stories: Sojitz Fuso PH launches all-new Canter F-Lift, F-Resh Hyundai Trucks and Bus PH’s yearend promo offers extra savings to drivers, fleet owners Hino, Fuso to maintain respective brand identities despite merger

 

 

Future of Isuzu's autonomous driving tech

Isuzu Motors Limited has reaffirmed its belief that autonomous driving solutions are the way forward for a better society. In fact, the company shared that the said technology will be able to combat reduced transport capacity, increased transport cost, and longer delivery times. 

The aforementioned sounds grim, but the company cites the foreseeable lack of able-bodied drivers in the near future, at least for its home country. The World Economic Forum, after all, has reported that one in ten people in Japan is already aged 80 or higher - a situation that is predicted to create a future strain in many Japanese industries, such as logistics and truck driving in general. 

Then again, Isuzu’s future plans for its autonomous driving trucks are not limited to Japan. Sure, it isn’t likely to come for the vastly different Southeast Asian setting (Philippines included) just yet , but the company disclosed that it will adopt autonomous driving trucks as a core business in North America by 2028 as well. 

Also read:

Isuzu PH displays biz-ready transport solutions for Visayan Market at Cebu Truck Fest

Isuzu leads PH truck market for Jan.-Aug. 2025

Isuzu, Volvo sign partnership anew for medium-, heavy-duty truck production

Connect with us through our various social media pages:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZigWheelsPhilippines

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zigwheelsph/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@zigwheels

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ZigWheelsPhilippines/