SONY TO FORM ALLIANCE FOR TAXI-HAILING SYSTEM
Sony is jumping into the ride-hailing fray. The Japanese electronics maker plans to form a joint venture with six taxi operators in Japan this spring, according to a statement on Tuesday. The alliance comes as Uber Technologies, the world’s biggest ride-hailing startup, is in talks with another cab company as it tries to build its presence in the country.
After years of little action, Japan’s lackluster ride-hailing industry is suddenly seeing a lot of activity. Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi is visiting the country to underscore the importance of its 1.7 trillion yen ($16 billion) taxi market. The San Francisco-based company, which has failed to gain much ground since launching in 2013 amid stringent regulations, is in talks for a venture with taxi operator Daiichi Koutsu Sangyo.
Sony’s alliance is with Checker Cab Group, Daiwa Motor Transportation, Hinomaru Kotsu, Kokusai
Motorcars, Kotobuki Taxi and Green Cab, which have a combined fleet of more than 10,000 cars in the greater Tokyo area, according to the statement. Sony will develop a ride-hailing app powered by artificial intelligence and provide a
payment service. Taxi operators beyond the initial group will also be able to join the platform, it said. Earlier this month, SoftBank Group announced a partnership with China’s Didi Chuxing and plans to begin trial services this year.