Isuzu to Create Test Track for Autonomous Bus Operations in Japan

Isuzu Motors Limited, a leading Japanese commercial vehicle manufacturer, is set to establish Japan's first dedicated autonomous driving test course for commercial trucks and buses. The new facility, scheduled to begin full-scale operations in September 2027, will be built within the Isuzu Hokkaido Proving Ground (IHPG) in Mukawa, Hokkaido.

The test course, spanning approximately 190,000 square metres, is designed to accommodate large vehicles such as articulated buses and heavy truck trailers. It will include simulated urban streets, highway entry and exit sections, and rural roads, enabling repeated testing of critical situations without endangering other road users.

The course is a significant step towards making Isuzu a global leader in autonomous driving for commercial vehicles. It is also intended to become a hub for open innovation and a centre for autonomous driving research and development.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the test course was held on 27 August 2025, attended by around 40 participants. Initial use of the course is expected in summer 2026.

Japan's logistics and passenger transport sectors face pressures from demographic change, including an ageing population and a shortage of drivers. Isuzu has positioned autonomous driving as one response to these challenges. The test course is expected to support the creation of safety standards, certification processes, and operational guidelines, contributing to the development of a safer and more efficient transportation system.

Isuzu Motors Limited has stated its intention to introduce Level 4 autonomous trucks and buses in the 2027 financial year. The company also plans to open the test course to external organisations, including startups, suppliers, and infrastructure specialists, to support wider industry collaboration.

A new research and maintenance facility will be constructed alongside the track to provide workspace for partners. Traffic infrastructure will be installed to allow complex scenarios to be reproduced more safely than on public roads.

Collaboration with national and local governments, as well as research institutions, is planned for the test course. The test course is not mentioned to have any specific products or services associated with it, but it is essential infrastructure for Isuzu's efforts to lead the world in autonomous driving for commercial vehicles.

Collecting data from real-world driving is essential for refining autonomous systems, and the Hokkaido course is intended to provide this capability. The test course will also serve as a platform for the development and validation of advanced autonomous driving technologies, contributing to the growth of the autonomous driving industry in Japan and beyond.