DRIVEN BASE

DENSO Obtains Stake in On The Road to Accelerate Development of Technology Used in MaaS

– Improving its system to develop MaaS systems –

Apr. 18, 2018

KARIYA (Japan) ― DENSO Corporation today announced it has taken an equity stake in On The Road Co., Ltd., a developer of next-generation software that uses cloud computing, edge computing, and other IT platforms to accelerate the development of technology for Mobility as a Service (MaaS*) systems. The investment amount is about 160 million yen (approximately US $1.5 million), which corresponds to about a 14.88 percent stake. 

To achieve MaaS, Internet of Things (IoT) technology is required to collect and analyze data from high-speed mobility services, such as operation management and car sharing, on a real-time basis and give optimal feedback to mobility service providers via the cloud,. DENSO has identified MaaS as a key strategic area of technology development and is working with partners on cloud computing technology to consolidate and share a wide range of vehicle information, AI technology that analyzes collected data, in-vehicle edge computing, and more.

On The Road has a proven track record of developing large-scale systems using communication and cloud computing technology, and high-level technical capabilities for developing key technologies required for next-generation mobility services. DENSO will leverage On The Road’s capabilities and resources to develop MaaS systems and accelerate the development of software technology to support auto manufacturer companies and service providers to develop better products and services that improve people’s lives and benefit the environment.

To help advance the future of mobility and cater to shifting market needs, DENSO is actively building partnerships with IT companies in Japan and throughout the world. DENSO will continue to contribute to the realization of MaaS systems to provide safe, sustainable and efficient mobility solutions .

*MaaS aims to connect the users and suppliers of mobility, such as transport and logistics, offer them optimal combinations of means of mobility, and complete all necessary procedures, such as reservations and settlement. This will help non-vehicle owners to readily use mobility services and enjoy flexible mobility and increase logistical efficiency.

Profile of On The Road

1. Name

On The Road Co., Ltd.

2. Establishment

April 2001

3. Capital  

20 million yen

4. Location

4F, Nagoya Daiichi Building, 1-19-24 Nishiki, Naka-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan

5. Representative

Masamune Takigawa, CEO and President

6. Business description

Software development and education business

About DENSO Corporation

DENSO Corp., headquartered in Kariya, Aichi prefecture, Japan, is a leading global automotive supplier of advanced technology, systems and components in the areas of thermal, powertrain control, electronics and information and safety. Its customers include all the world's major carmakers. Worldwide, the company has more than 200 subsidiaries and affiliates in 38 countries and regions (including Japan) and employs more than 150,000 people. Consolidated global sales for the fiscal year ending March 31, 2017, totaled US$40.4 billion. Last fiscal year, DENSO spent 9.0 percent of its global consolidated sales on research and development. DENSO common stock is traded on the Tokyo and Nagoya stock exchanges. For more information, go to www.denso.com, or visit our media website at www.denso.com/global/en/news/media-center/