Japan’s NTT said to trial driverless tech with Toyota (TM), invests in U.S. startup

A representative from Japan’s Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) announced Wednesday that the communication’s company plans to collaborate with Toyota Motor (NYSE: TM) to trial driverless vehicle technology.

Additionally, the telecommunications company said that they intend to invest in a U.S. startup focused on the development of self-driving systems.

According to the spokesperson, NTT aims to begin testing autonomous buses and taxis as soon as 2025. The company also plans to inject approximately 10 billion yen ($66.91 million) into the U.S. startup, May Mobility.

The initial report from the Nikkei newspaper on Monday indicated NTT's forthcoming investment in May Mobility, also suggesting a collaborative effort between NTT and Toyota for vehicle development. However, both the NTT and Toyota spokespersons denied any joint development plans.

Toyota has refrained from providing any additional comments on the matter.

Shares of TM are up 0.17% in early trading on Monday.

By Michael Elkins | [email protected]

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