Toyota Sets Up Autonomous Vehicle Research Institutes

Toyota has established autonomous vehicle research institutes in two key locations: California's Silicon Valley and Tokyo. The company invested nearly US$4 billion in the Silicon Valley institute, which is designed to focus on the development of autonomous vehicle technologies. This significant financial commitment underscores Toyota's strategic intent to lead in the rapidly evolving automotive sector, particularly in the area of self-driving vehicles. The Tokyo institute received an investment of approximately ¥300 billion and aims to collaborate with other Toyota Group companies, including Aisin Seiki and Denso, as well as various automotive suppliers. This collaborative approach is intended to leverage the expertise and resources of multiple stakeholders in the automotive industry, enhancing the research and development capabilities of Toyota in the field of autonomous driving.