Isuzu to build Japan’s first autonomous driving test track for commercial vehicles

Isuzu has announced plans to construct a large-scale autonomous driving test facility at its proving ground in Mukawa, Hokkaido, Japan. According to the company, the new infrastructure will serve as a cornerstone for the development and validation of Level 4 autonomous trucks and buses, with operations scheduled to begin in September 2027.

The investment, valued at around 7.4 billion yen (about €43 million), will cover a 190,000 m² site within the Isuzu Hokkaido Proving Ground (IHPG), a subsidiary of the Isuzu Group. A groundbreaking ceremony took place on August 27 with the participation of around 40 representatives, marking the official start of the project.

Isuzu Japan test track to replicate real-world conditions

The facility is designed to reproduce a wide variety of driving environments that would otherwise be difficult or unsafe to test on public roads. According to Isuzu, it will include simulated urban streets, suburban roads, gradients, parking zones, highway entry and exit ramps, as well as ADAS testing areas.

Traffic infrastructure such as traffic lights, bus stops, dedicated bicycle lanes, railway crossings, V2X equipment, and electronic speed limit signage will allow engineers to simulate complex real-world traffic situations. The test course will be the first in Japan to be established by a commercial vehicle manufacturer specifically for autonomous driving validation, Isuzu states. It has been designed to accommodate large-format vehicles, including articulated buses and truck trailers.

The proving ground will not be limited to in-house projects. Once completed, the test course will be opened to external companies and organizations, such as technology startups, component suppliers, and infrastructure providers. A new research and testing facility will also be constructed adjacent to the course, providing maintenance space for autonomous vehicles, partner workspaces, and rooms for joint development activities. The company describes the site as an “open innovation hub” to foster collaboration across industry stakeholders.

Isuzu’s strategy aims at autonomous driving

The initiative also aligns with Isuzu’s mid-term business plan “IX — Growth to 2030,” which identifies autonomous driving as a strategic pillar to address structural challenges in Japanese society, such as driver shortages, ageing demographics, and the need for safer transport solutions. The Group has set the goal of launching Level 4 autonomous trucks and buses in fiscal year 2027.

Ken Ueda, Senior Executive Officer, EVP of the Engineering Division: “Autonomous driving solutions will be a future pillar of Isuzu’s business. The Isuzu Group will contribute to the advancement of autonomous driving technology through the operation of this test course, pioneering a future of safe and secure mobility to help realize a society free of accidents.”

Hiroshi Sato, Senior Executive Officer, VP of the Engineering Division: “This test course is essential infrastructure for the Isuzu Group as we strive to lead the world in autonomous driving for commercial vehicles. We hope that in a few years, it will become a hub for open innovation, a center for autonomous driving where various companies and organizations collaborate on research and development.”