Applied Intuition, a Silicon Valley-based vehicle software supplier, and Isuzu Motors, a Japan-based manufacturer of commercial vehicles, today announced a strategic partnership to accelerate Isuzu Motors Ltd.'s plan to develop and offer autonomous trucking solutions. The partnership will usher in strong economic and social impacts by optimizing commercial logistics, directly addressing recent concerns surrounding critical driver shortages.
Truck driver overwork is a major public health issue in Japan — nearly 84% of drivers face related health problems. Recent studies showed truck drivers accounted for 34.3% of overwork-related deaths. In response, the Japanese government revised its Labor Standards Law, capping annual work hours at 3,300 hours, including breaks. This has raised concerns about driver shortages in an industry already anticipating a 36% decline in drivers by 2030. Known as "The 2024 Problem," it threatens to disrupt supply chains and challenge Japan's reputation for excellent service.
The partnership will expand logistics solutions and mitigate driver shortages by introducing advanced autonomous driving technology in Japan. In April 2024, Isuzu Motors Ltd. announced its mid-term management plan called "ISUZU Transformation - Growth to 2030 (IX)," with a goal of establishing automated driving solutions as a new business pillar. Applied Intuition's technology is designed and developed with its customers' needs in mind, enabling automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to build safe and intelligent autonomous systems, ensuring they have the necessary solutions for accelerated autonomy development, validation, and deployment.
