Uber Technologies, Inc. (UBER) has seen a notable uptick in its stock, rising 3.61% following the announcement of a new partnership with Nissan (NSANY) and UK-based self-driving startup Wayve. The collaborative effort aims to introduce robotaxi services in Tokyo, targeting a pilot program launch in late 2026.
The trio has inked a memorandum of understanding to spearhead the development and deployment of autonomous taxis utilizing Wayve’s advanced AI driving system integrated into Nissan’s LEAF electric vehicle. Riders will book their travels via Uber’s established ride-hailing platform, marking a significant leap into the world of autonomous transport.
In the initial phases of this pilot, a trained safety driver will be present in each vehicle to navigate the test run, a move that underscores the companies’ commitment to responsible technology deployment.
Wayve has been diligently testing its AI system on Japan’s complex roadways since early 2025, which are characterized by intricate patterns and stringent safety regulations. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi emphasizes that this Tokyo initiative is part of a broader strategy, with plans for robotaxi services to roll out in over 10 cities globally, including a prior launch slated for London.
This marks Uber’s inaugural venture into autonomous vehicle services in Japan, with plans to collaborate with a licensed taxi partner yet to be chosen. The excitement generated by this announcement also positively impacted Nissan, whose stock rose 1.25% within a day of the news.
Wayve Secures Major Funding to Propel Tech Development
Adding momentum to this initiative is Wayve’s recent success in raising $1.2 billion in a Series D funding round, which boosted the company’s valuation to $8.6 billion. Key investors include Uber, Nissan, Microsoft (MSFT), Nvidia (NVDA), Mercedes-Benz, Stellantis (STLA), and SoftBank Group, reflecting a robust coalition of tech and automotive sectors rallying around autonomous vehicle innovation.
Wayve’s CEO Alex Kendall articulates that this partnership not only facilitates responsible deployment of their tech but also provides valuable insights through real-world data collection.
Nissan’s Strategic Role in the Partnership
As the base vehicle for the robotaxi pilot, Nissan’s LEAF will ultimately connect to Uber’s network once integrated with Wayve’s autonomous driving system. Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa noted that this partnership strengthens existing collaborations with Wayve, viewing the Tokyo initiative as a natural evolution of their joint endeavors in AI technology development.
With the Tokyo robotaxi project, Nissan aims to deliver “mobility intelligence to everyday life,” highlighting their strategic vision for leveraging technology in daily transportation. As global interest in autonomous driving continues to surge, this collaboration positions Uber, Nissan, and Wayve at the forefront of a transformative shift in urban mobility.
