Nissan, Honda team with self-driving startups to chase US and China rivals

AutomobilesJapanese automakers drop preference for in-house development in effort to close gapTier IV has equipped robotaxis and other vehicles with autonomous driving technology. (Tier IV)KANTARO FUSHIKI and SOTA TANAKAAugust 21, 2026 05:24 JSTTOKYO -- Japanese automakers are racing to develop artificial-intelligence-powered self-driving vehicles, partnering with startups and other players in a bid to catch up with the leading U.S. and Chinese companies.