On August 4, 2025, Kanematsu Corporation (hereinafter “Kanematsu”) and South Korea’s Autonomous A2Z (hereinafter “A2Z”) signed a memorandum of understanding for the joint deployment and market introduction of autonomous driving technology to the Japanese and global markets.
Photo taken at the signing ceremony held in Kanematsu’s Tokyo Head Office on August 4th
Left：A2Z/CEO Ji-Hyeong Han Right：Kanematsu/Motor Vehicles and Parts Dept. 1. general manager Koichiro Okamoto
■Background
In Japan, amid serious labor shortages in the transportation sector, particularly in regional areas, and also driven by the promotion of smart city initiatives and the digital transformation, interest in and social demand for autonomous driving technology continues to grow. The Road Traffic Act was amended in April 2023 to allow Level 4 autonomy—fully autonomous driving under specific conditions—marking a step toward broader societal adoption. We expect the real-world adoption of safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly next-generation mobility solutions to play an increasingly important part in addressing social issues and creating new value going forward.
■About A2Z
A2Z is a start-up founded by former laboratory engineers of leading South Korean auto manufacturer Hyundai Motor Company. Primarily engaged in the research and development of autonomous driving technology integrated with infrastructure, A2Z aims to build a dedicated autonomous vehicle platform.
A2Z’s core technology is characterized by the following three features:
- Hardware, software, and infrastructure are developed entirely in-house. Capable of carrying out all steps—from technological development to implementation—in-house.
- The platform delivers high performance with a compact system configuration. Enables autonomous driving functions to be integrated into vehicles of various types and sizes.
- All processes from parts selection to system development conform to vehicle and in-vehicle system standards specific to each country. Capable of global roll-out.
Leveraging these strengths, A2Z has conducted field trials over a cumulative distance of approximately 680,000 km across 13 regions in South Korea. It continues to expand its business, conducting field trials and acquiring certification in countries such as Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.
Recognized for these technological capabilities and achievements, A2Z was ranked 11th in the 2024 Global Automated Driving Solutions Rankings compiled by U.S.-based consulting firm Guidehouse Inc. In this way, A2Z has garnered international recognition alongside its American and Chinese counterparts that dominate 90% of the top 20 in the ranking..
■About the memorandum of understanding
Following the signing of the memorandum of understanding, we will combine Kanematsu’s global networks and expertise in domestic and overseas mobility business with A2Z’s high-performance autonomous driving technology to promote automated operation and address labor shortages in various transport settings—both regional and urban—as well as to enhance safety. Leveraging our respective strengths, we aim to provide new mobility services by conducting demonstration experiments for specific regions and applications and by developing models for societal deployment.
The Kanematsu Group sets “Expansion of Value Proposition by Exploring and Implementing Innovation” as one of the key initiatives under its medium-term management plan, “integration 1.0.” We are committed to addressing social issues and contributing to a sustainable society through the utilization of innovative technology such as autonomous driving.
【A2Z Company Profile】
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Autonomous A2Z Co., Ltd. |
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July 18, 2018 |
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Ji-Hyeong Han |
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Silseup-dong , 50, Gamasil-gil, Hayang-eup, Gyeongsan-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Republic of Korea |
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Research, development, and sale of autonomous driving technology and autonomous vehicles |
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https://autoa2z.ai/ |
【Contact】
Public Relations Section, Kanematsu Corporation TEL: +81-3-6747-5000 https://www.kanematsu.co.jp/en/inquiry/