Toyota Motor Corp. (TYO:7203) is currently engaged in the parallel development of two autonomous driving technologies: Chauffeur and Guardian. The former of these refers to complete vehicle autonomy, while the latter describes a set of advanced driver assistance and safety features. Toyota terms the philosophy behind the Japanese company’s development of autonomous driving technology the...
regulations
METI Looks to Automate Domestic Hydrogen Stations
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is currently aiming to automate hydrogen stations. Such unmanned stations will enable self-filling by the user, and will be remotely monitored by licensed professionals. The stations ensure the safety of hydrogen equipment by calculating an appropriate inspection frequency based on information such as temperature, pressure and number...
International Whole Vehicle Type Approval Now Slated for June 2018
With the U.N.’s World Forum for Harmonization of Vehicle Regulations (WP29) making final bylaw adjustments on its International Whole Vehicle Type Approval (IWVTA) system, expectations are now that the scheme will be ready to go into effect in June 2018. With plans on establishing infrastructure for evaluating the scheme, Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and...
Nissan Makes Full-Fledged Effort to Increase EV Sales in China
Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. (TYO:7201) has announced a full-fledged effort to increase its sales of electric vehicles (EVs) in China, developing new SUV and sedan EVs exclusively for the Chinese market. In addition to introducing these new EV models as Nissan brands in 2018, the company will also add local Chinese brand, Venucia, to its...
METI Speeds up Deregulation of Hydrogen Stations
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) plans to further accelerate its easing of regulations concerning hydrogen stations. METI has until now been revising regulations primarily to reduce costs for the construction of hydrogen stations and tanks. Now, however, the ministry plans to revise its regulations concerning safety inspections and approve of remote monitoring...
METI, MLIT Get Ready to Hammer out New Fuel Economy Regulations
The Japanese government has announced that it will begin formulating new fuel economy regulations for passenger vehicles. The regulations will be put together over the span of a year by a joint council between the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT). Discussions are scheduled...
National Police Agency Releases Standards for Testing Remote-Controlled Self-Driving Cars on Public Roads
On June 1, 2017, the National Police Agency (NPA) of Japan informed prefectural police departments of new standards for verification tests of remote-controlled self-driving cars on public roads. The standards make it mandatory to conduct preliminary driving evaluations with a police officer on board and to have in place safety measures that allow the car...
MOE to Review Muffler and Tire Noise Standards
Japan’s Ministry of the Environment (MOE) is undertaking a review of noise regulations for commercial mufflers and tires in automobiles. The regulatory standards for each of these areas is to come under focus, and a recently established inquiry commission in MOE’s Central Environment Council’s will collate the findings in a report for the spring of...
MLIT Holds Symposium on Creating International Regulations for Self-Driving Vehicles
Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) on Feb. 24 held a symposium in Tokyo on creating international regulations for self-driving vehicles. In addition to introducing activities in Japan and overseas related to establishing standards for self-driving vehicles, there was also a panel discussion. The symposium is part of the activities of the...
