22:04 18-05-2026

Nissan Elgrand Joins Uber Premium Fleet in Japan

Uber Japan partners with Nissan to bring the new Elgrand minivan to Uber Premium service, targeting luxury rides for tourists and VIP transfers in Japan.

Uber Japan and Nissan have announced a partnership to promote the new Nissan Elgrand as a vehicle for the Uber Premium service, targeting taxi fleets. The minivan is set to launch in Japan this summer.

The rationale is straightforward: demand for high-end rides is rising alongside the surge in domestic and international tourism. Taxi operators have been struggling to quickly find suitable minivans that meet Uber's premium standards, and the new Elgrand aims to fill that gap.

Uber and Nissan have created a streamlined process for taxi companies to purchase and deploy the model. Beyond the Elgrand, the two companies are also evaluating support for the Nissan Serena in taxi operations.

The new Elgrand is marketed as a premium minivan with a "The private MAGLEV" concept, referencing maglev train technology. The goal is to deliver a quiet, smooth, and secluded space that feels like a private lounge on wheels.

Shiro Yamanaka, head of Uber Japan, said the new Elgrand can offer customers a more refined ride experience, calling the partnership with Nissan a key step toward future mobility services.

It is worth noting that this project is separate from the March agreement among Uber, Nissan, and Wayve regarding robotaxis. This initiative is focused on premium chauffeured services.

Currently, Uber Japan works with around 1,000 taxi companies and offers Uber Taxi across all 47 prefectures. Uber Premium is available in nine prefectures, including Tokyo's 23 wards, Osaka, Kyoto, and Sapporo. For the new Elgrand, this positioning is a strong fit: not merely a family hauler, but a ready-made tool for VIP transfers and tourism.