Honda Motor : Japan Post and Honda Enter Discussions on Collaboration Toward the Establishment of Social Infrastructure

TOKYO, Japan, March 23, 2017 - Japan Post Co., Ltd. and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. today began discussions and signed a memorandum of understanding concerning the development and establishment of social infrastructure through postal deliveries using electric motorcycles (hereinafter collectively called 'electric vehicles') which will serve as an alternative to the current gasoline-powered delivery motorcycles.

During the past approximately half century, Japan Post and Honda have built a cooperative relationship in the pursuit of efficient postal delivery operation through the development and operation of delivery motorcycles.

Amid a growing consciousness concerning the global environment, businesses are expected to act in a more environmentally-responsible manner. This includes making a transition to a recycling-oriented society where limited resources are used more effectively as well as complying with increasingly strict exhaust emissions regulations.

Under such circumstances, Japan Post and Honda will jointly conduct demonstration testing on the use of environmentally-responsible electric vehicles for postal delivery operation and charging stations at post offices. Through such testing, Japan Post and Honda will pursue discussions toward the establishment of social infrastructure which will contribute to the sustainability of the global environment. Moreover, in order to secure the ability to offer sustainable and universally available services for postal businesses, the two companies will discuss how the system and capability as well as the quality of maintenance service for vehicles used for postal delivery can be secured and maintained.