During the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo 2020, Toyota presented one
The service is now paused and buses have been grounded after a visually impaired athlete collided, writes Watchman.
Japanese judo athlete Aramitsu Kitazuno was hit by a Toyota e-bus when he was about to cross a pedestrian crossing, while the bus was about to cross an intersection.
Kitazuno sustained injuries and bruises after the accident and had to withdraw from the games.
The car manufacturer complained bitterly in the press, and Toyota manager Akio Toyoda personally complained to Kitazuno.
– We deeply regret that the incident has alarmed people. And according to The Guardian, Toyoda said this shows it’s not yet realistic for self-driving cars on regular streets.
The Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo have been the subject of much debate, especially when the city reached new infection records during the Olympics. Almost half of Japan’s population wanted the games to be canceled beforehand.
As the main sponsor, Toyota maintained an unusual appearance during the Olympics, falling behind among all the Olympic-related TV commercials during the Games. In addition, the company’s management withdrew to attend the opening ceremony. Japanese media have speculated whether the decision was made because the car manufacturer fears negative associations with the games.
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