Toyota takes a stake in Tier IV to bring Level 4 driving to the e-Palette by fiscal 2027

Toyota/e-Palette

Toyota bought about 1% of Tokyo self-driving startup Tier IV, an estimated ¥1bn, and signed a technology agreement to fit Tier IV's system to the e-Palette for Level 4 operation by fiscal 2027. Tier IV builds on Autoware, open-source driving software.

• Japan's government aims for Level 4 services in 100 locations by fiscal 2027, partly to offset driver shortages.
• Toyota leans on self-driving buses in Japan and local robotaxi partners such as Pony.ai and Waymo abroad.
• Tier IV's other backers include Sony, KDDI, Suzuki and Isuzu.