Osaka Metro investigation finds insufficient safety risk review in Expo EV bus rollout

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Osaka Metro released an investigation report on the 17th regarding the repeated malfunctions of electric buses purchased in bulk for the Osaka-Kansai Expo and the subsequent decision to abandon their post-Expo use. According to the report, the company, as the public transport operator for Expo transportation, was fixated on introducing environmentally friendly EV buses and conducted an insufficient review of safety risks. It purchased 190 units from EV Motors Japan, but malfunctions occurred repeatedly, some buses were taken out of service due to accidents during the Expo period, and the company abandoned plans for post-Expo use, booking a special loss of 6.7 billion yen in its fiscal year ending March 2026. Chairman Hideaki Kawai, who was president at the time of the purchase, resigned to take responsibility. Managing Executive Officer Mitsuru Uemura stated at a press briefing that the company had become fixated on EV buses, acknowledging a lack of risk assessment for the introduction of new technology. It also came to light that subsidiary Osaka City Bus had opposed the bulk introduction but withdrew its opinion due to Osaka Metro's insistence.

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大阪メトロPrivate▼ Negative
Regulationrelevance

Osaka Metro's investigation found insufficient safety risk review for EV buses, leading to a special loss of 6.7 billion yen and chairman resignation, indicating governance failure.

EVモーターズ・ジャパンPrivate▼ Negative
Demandrelevance

Osaka Metro's investigation reveals EV Motors Japan's buses had repeated malfunctions, leading to abandonment of post-Expo use and a special loss, damaging EV Motors Japan's reputation and future orders.

大阪シティバスPrivate± Mixed
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