British autonomous driving startup Wayve announced on Tuesday the launch of a new testing and development facility in Japan, marking its first entry into the Asian market.
The company said the new center will accelerate the advancement of its AI-driven driving software through partnerships with automotive manufacturers, while also enabling testing and development efforts across Tokyo and nearby areas.
“By incorporating training data from Japan’s complex road environments, Wayve will strengthen the generalization of its foundation model and enhance adaptability across global markets,” Wayve said in a statement.
Earlier this month, Nissan — Japan’s third-largest automaker — announced that its next-generation autonomous driving system, set to launch in fiscal year 2027, will incorporate software developed by Wayve.
Backed by SoftBank Group, driving startup Wayve is also actively testing its self-driving technology across the UK, Germany, the U.S., and Canada.
In contrast to traditional systems that depend on high-definition maps and rule-based coding, Wayve’s approach leverages machine learning and external vehicle cameras to learn from real-world traffic conditions and driver behaviors.
Wayve’s expansion into Japan marks a significant step in its global growth strategy, reinforcing its position at the forefront of AI-driven autonomous vehicle technology. With strategic partnerships like Nissan and the support of major backers such as SoftBank, the company is accelerating its vision of redefining mobility through scalable, mapless self-driving solutions — now with a foothold in one of the world’s most advanced automotive markets.
