Uber Japan to add Nissan's new Elgrand van to premium service
TOKYO -- Tokyo-based Uber Japan said it will introduce Nissan Motor Co.'s new Elgrand van to Uber Black, its chauffeur-type ride-hailing service using
TOKYO -- Uber Japan has announced it will add Nissan Motor Co.'s new Elgrand van to its Uber Black premium ride-hailing service. The company hopes to capitalize on the rising demand from foreign visitors and corporate clients. Uber Black, launched in 2014, dispatches large luxury vans and vehicles seating up to five passengers through its app, operating in nine prefectures including Tokyo and Kyoto.
Rides and gross bookings have surged about sevenfold since 2023, following the COVID-19 pandemic. Demand is particularly high for spacious, comfortable luxury minivans capable of accommodating large luggage and transporting VIPs. The latest Elgrand underwent a redesign in July, its first in about 16 years, offering a quiet interior and comfortable ride.
Hinomaru Limousine Corp. and IBI Group, Uber Black partners, will introduce 15 vehicles each, mainly operating in city-center areas. Zen Sugimoto, a Nissan executive responsible for the domestic market, stated that the aim is to meet customer demand that values travel time itself.
Despite a ride-hailing app usage rate of about 20% in Japan, compared to 70% to 90% overseas, the company aims to raise usage by providing high-quality travel experiences. Uber Japan's communications director, Kumiko Imai Ihara, emphasized the importance of conveying the convenience of ride-hailing services to a wider customer base.
Written by urgent.news from The Mainichi's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
