Asia Tech Wire (Nov 6) -- Four Japanese commercial vehicle makers, including Isuzu Motors and Hino Motors, launched a joint evidence trial of self-driving trucks on the highway on Tuesday.

The four automakers also include Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus, and UD Trucks.

Competition for the development of self-driving technology is intensifying against the backdrop of a growing shortage of truck drivers.

The manufacturers will test the smoothness of starting, stopping, and merging into the main lane of a Level 4 vehicle, which is capable of driving unmanned under certain conditions.