Toyota Motor Corp. has started a three-year collaboration with Nagoya University, providing ¥360 million through its Toyota Mobility Foundation to facilitate transport for elderly residents.
A trial run was started in the Asuke district of the city of Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, this month to provide elderly citizens with a way to do grocery shopping and make medical visits by car-sharing or renting small electric vehicles.
Asuke has a population of 8,300 with 37 percent of people aged 65 and over — well above the 21 percent rate for Toyota city. It is located 15 km from the city center, making it a challenge to provide transportation for older residents.