Uber (UBER) Stock Climbs 3.61% Following Tokyo Robotaxi Deal With Nissan and Wayve

Key Takeaways

• Uber has entered into a memorandum of understanding with Nissan and UK-based Wayve to bring autonomous taxis to Tokyo.
• The pilot program is scheduled to begin in late 2026, utilizing Nissan’s LEAF electric vehicle equipped with Wayve’s AI autonomous driving technology, accessible through Uber’s app.
• Safety drivers will remain in vehicles throughout the initial deployment phase.
• The partnership represents Uber’s inaugural autonomous vehicle collaboration in Japan, contributing to a global expansion spanning more than 10 cities.
• Wayve secured $1.2 billion in Series D funding last month, achieving an $8.6 billion post-money valuation.

Shares of Uber (UBER) climbed 3.61% following the announcement of a strategic three-way collaboration with Nissan (NSANY) and self-driving technology firm Wayve to introduce autonomous taxi services in Tokyo.

Uber Technologies, Inc., UBER

The collaborating companies have executed a memorandum of understanding outlining the development and deployment roadmap, with the Tokyo pilot initiative scheduled to commence in late 2026.

The venture will integrate Wayve’s cutting-edge end-to-end AI autonomous driving platform into Nissan’s LEAF electric vehicles. Passengers will access these autonomous rides through Uber’s established ride-hailing application.

Throughout the initial deployment stage, a professionally trained safety operator will maintain presence in each vehicle. The partners characterized this as a cautious, measured introduction of autonomous technology.

Wayve has conducted testing operations in Japan since early 2025. These trials focused on adapting to Japan’s intricate road networks and stringent safety regulations.

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi highlighted that the Tokyo initiative follows a London deployment, positioning it within the company’s broader international expansion strategy. The autonomous service is planned for deployment across more than 10 global cities.

For Uber, this collaboration represents its inaugural autonomous vehicle agreement in the Japanese market. The company confirmed it will implement the service through a licensed taxi operator and is currently evaluating potential partners.

Nissan CEO Ivan Espinosa emphasized that the partnership extends the company’s ongoing collaboration with Wayve on AI-powered vehicle technology. He characterized the Tokyo pilot as a logical progression of that relationship.

Wayve’s Massive Funding Round Supports International Expansion

Wayve completed a substantial $1.2 billion Series D funding round last month. The financing valued the autonomous driving startup at $8.6 billion on a post-money basis.

The investment syndicate features Uber, Nissan, Microsoft (MSFT), Nvidia (NVDA), Mercedes-Benz (MBGAF), Stellantis (STLA), and SoftBank Group. This diverse investor base spans both technology and automotive sectors.

Wayve CEO Alex Kendall emphasized that the Tokyo collaboration enables the company to introduce its technology “in a responsible way” while gathering valuable real-world operational data.

Nissan’s Contribution to the Partnership

Nissan’s LEAF electric vehicle provides the foundation platform for the pilot program. The vehicle will integrate seamlessly with Uber’s network following installation of Wayve’s autonomous system.

Espinosa stated Nissan’s objective is delivering “mobility intelligence to everyday life,” describing the Tokyo pilot as a concrete manifestation of that vision.

Nissan (NSANY) stock increased 1.25% on the partnership announcement.

Uber stock finished the trading session up 3.61% on the day the collaboration was revealed.

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