ARCHION Autonomous Truck Project Selected for Japan FY2026 Implementation

On July 1, ARCHION Corporation (ARCHION) announced that the initiatives led by its group companies, Hino Motors, Ltd. (Hino) and Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation, have been selected by the Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) under its projects supporting the implementation of autonomous trucks. The ARCHION Autonomous Truck Project reflects continued collaboration between industry and government to accelerate next-generation freight transportation while maintaining the technical objectives announced by the participating organizations.

Hino has been participating in the High-Speed Autonomous Truck Transportation Operation Council while also supporting the Level 4 Autonomous Logistics Trailers Promotion Council. This council includes organizations such as Orix Auto Corporation and a consortium formed by Toyota Tsusho Corporation together with logistics companies. Through these activities, the participating companies have been contributing technical expertise, operational experience, and collaborative development efforts aimed at advancing autonomous truck deployment across commercial logistics operations.

According to ARCHION, the group will continue promoting technical development while contributing to the realization of sustainable and efficient next-generation logistics. The company stated that these initiatives are intended to support broader adoption of autonomous transportation technologies through collaboration between vehicle manufacturers, logistics operators, and government agencies. The overall objective remains the development of practical autonomous truck solutions capable of supporting future logistics requirements while improving operational efficiency.

Hino and Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus have been involved in the Japanese government's autonomous truck program since the fiscal year beginning in April 2021 (FY2021). Their contributions have included technical support and participation in government-backed development activities designed to advance autonomous commercial vehicle technologies. The companies also cooperated in the development of an autonomous driving service support road during FY2025, providing additional experience for future deployment initiatives.

By FY2026, both companies will work toward private sector-driven social implementation with continued support from the Japanese government. This next phase focuses on expanding autonomous truck deployment beyond pilot programs while strengthening collaboration among industry participants. The initiative represents another step toward building a sustainable logistics ecosystem that combines government support, commercial participation, and ongoing technological development for autonomous freight transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why were Hino Motors and Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus selected for this project?
Hino Motors and Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus were selected by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as part of projects supporting the implementation of autonomous trucks. Their long-term involvement in government-led autonomous truck development, participation in multiple industry councils, and contributions to autonomous driving infrastructure since FY2021 positioned them to support the transition toward private sector-led deployment in FY2026 while advancing sustainable next-generation logistics across Japan.