Deep-tech start-up TIER IV and Suzuki partner for autonomous driving services in Japan

TIER IV, a deep-tech startup based in Japan and a pioneer in open-source software and autonomous driving technology, and Suzuki, one of Japan’s leading car and motorcycle manufacturers, have entered into a capital and business alliance aimed at accelerating the development and commercialisation of autonomous driving technology to enhance regional mobility solutions.

By combining TIER IV’s scalable software platforms with Suzuki’s extensive expertise in manufacturing, the partnership aims to create innovative mobility services enabled by autonomous driving technology. These services are intended to address the increasing need for more accessible and efficient regional mobility solutions.

TIER IV takes the initiative of spearheading open-source software, Autoware, to foster the development of autonomous driving technology across the industry. Leveraging Autoware, TIER IV also provides scalable software platforms and a range of solutions with a global network of partners, fuelling the rollout of intelligent vehicles that will benefit society as a whole.

In Hamamatsu City, Suzuki is pioneering smart mobility services using autonomous driving technology, specifically targeting regions where traditional public transportation services are diminishing.

TIER IV and Suzuki state that they “are committed to accelerating the development of critical autonomous driving technology, aiming to transform regional mobility solutions that cater to the needs of individuals and wider society.”