Isuzu Motors Limited plans to build a dedicated Autonomous Driving Test Course within the grounds of the Isuzu Hokkaido Proving Ground in Mukawa, Hokkaido, a subsidiary of the Isuzu Group. The goal is to accelerate the development and real-world implementation of Level 4 autonomous trucks and buses. In the future, the facility will also be open to external companies such as autonomous driving startups, component manufacturers, and the transport infrastructure sector for joint testing. Full-scale operations are expected to begin in September 2027.

Test Course Details

• Area of approximately 190,000 m²

• Multiple testing zones: simulated urban streets, expressways (entry and exit), and rural roads, complete with traffic infrastructure

• Capable of simulating complex scenarios that are difficult to test on public roads, ensuring safe verification and validation of autonomous driving technologies

• Partial operation to start in summer 2026, with full-scale operation in September 2027

Key Highlights

• The first dedicated autonomous driving test course in Japan built by a commercial vehicle manufacturer, designed to accommodate large vehicles such as articulated buses and truck trailers

• Serves as the Isuzu Group’s central hub for autonomous driving technology development, with comprehensive testing of sensors, AI models, and control systems, and real-time data sharing with domestic and overseas facilities via high-speed networks

• Includes a new adjacent testing and research facility with maintenance space for autonomous vehicles and workspaces for partners, functioning as an open innovation hub in collaboration with startups, government, and private sectors

• Collaboration with government agencies, local authorities, and research institutions to develop safety standards, testing protocols, and gather data for Level 4 autonomous driving certification in compliance with international regulations

Japan is facing social challenges such as declining birth rates, an aging population, and labor shortages in the transport industry. As part of its ISUZU Transformation — Growth to 2030 (IX) business plan, the Isuzu Group has identified “autonomous driving solutions” as a key technology, with the aim of launching Level 4 autonomous trucks and buses in fiscal 2027.

To make the technology accurate and viable for real-world use, it is necessary to collect large volumes of high-quality driving data from public road testing to train AI for better perception and decision-making, as well as to conduct repeated tests in high-risk scenarios. To minimize risks, a dedicated test course that closely replicates public road environments is essential.

On August 27, a groundbreaking ceremony was held at the construction site within the Isuzu Hokkaido Proving Ground, attended by around 40 participants.

*Concept image shown

Source: Isuzu Newsroom