Newmo Launches Autonomy Garage Tokyo to Advance Self-Driving Taxi Development

Newmo Launches Autonomy Garage Tokyo

In May 2026, Newmo Inc., based in Minato, Tokyo, established its first self-driving taxi development hub, named "Autonomy Garage Tokyo", located within the Tokyo Distribution Center (TRC) in Ota City. This facility is set to be the core for the company’s research and development as well as vehicle design and implementation.

Newmo's mission, "Coloring the Community through Mobility," aims to tackle the severe shortage of taxi drivers not only in rural areas but also in urban settings. In addition to its taxi services and human resource businesses, Newmo is committed to pioneering next-generation local transport through its self-driving taxi initiative, known as Newmo Autonomy.

Commitment to Self-Driving Taxis

Following its announcement in July 2025 of its full-scale entry into the self-driving taxi market, Newmo signed collaboration agreements with Sakai City and Osaka City. The company has started demonstrations in these cities, aiming for the commercialization of Level 4 autonomous vehicles by 2028. Additionally, Sakai City has been selected by the government as a priority area for the early realization of autonomous driving.

About Autonomy Garage Tokyo

The Tokyo Distribution Center is a unique logistics complex that not only enjoys a central location but also offers ample workspace. In recent years, it has emerged as a hub for startups focused on the exciting realm of "Physical AI," encompassing autonomous driving and robotics. Looking ahead, the "Heiwajima Autonomous Driving Council" will be launched in May 2025, aimed at facilitating open innovation and conducting experimental trials related to autonomous driving. Newmo plans to participate in this initiative starting July of the same year, joining various companies dedicated to advancing social implementation of autonomous technology.

The newly established Autonomy Garage Tokyo will serve as Newmo's first dedicated development site for self-driving taxis in the capital. This facility will comprehensively oversee technology development, implementation, and verification for autonomous driving systems and vehicles.

Vehicles developed at this hub are also expected to be deployed for trials in Osaka, where leveraging existing taxi operations will allow for continuous data collection and validation aimed at social implementation.

In the Kanagawa and Tokyo areas, Newmo has already established and operates taxi services under the names Umikaze Kotsu, Shoyou Kotsu, and Torranomon Kotsu, expanding its presence in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

Recruitment and Team Expansion

With the opening of this new hub, Newmo plans to accelerate hiring for its self-driving team, expanding from the current 20 members to a robust team of 40 by the end of 2026. This team will be pivotal in developing and validating autonomous technologies in the greater Tokyo area. For details on job openings, potential candidates can visit the Newmo Autonomy website at newmo.ai.

Moreover, the self-driving team will hold casual meet-up events called "Beer Bash," where participants can discuss themes related to the implementation of Level 4 autonomous taxis and share insights about the challenges and excitement of the development process. Event details can be found at Newmo Autonomy Beer Bash Event.

Statement from Newmo Co-Founder/CTO

Keisuke Sugawara, co-founder and CTO of Newmo, expressed enthusiasm about establishing a presence at TRC. He remarked, "The urban warehouse environment is ideal for research and development in autonomous driving. Additionally, we are optimistic about the synergy with our taxi operations, located nearby, acquired from Keikyu. Previously, constraints on space forced us to work outdoors; however, with this new garage and office space, we are well-equipped to proceed. We are eager to enhance our team and develop mobility solutions that will shape the future of our community."

Autonomy Garage Tokyo Overview

- Address: 6-1-1 Heiwajima, Ota City, Tokyo, 143-0006, Japan, Tokyo Distribution Center, Building A, 2F AE-2-7-2
- Opened: May 2026
- Number of Employees: Approximately 20