With Japanese carmakers trailing US and Chinese rivals, they see a need to quicken the pace of installing self-drive capability in their products.

Autonomous driving technology has five levels. The Japanese automakers are initially installing capabilities at level 2 and above. This allows hands-free driving on highways, but still leaves the driver as the vehicle’s main operator.

According to the Tokyo-based Yano Research Institute, level 2 will be installed on 62% of self-driving cars by 2030.

Toyota will lead off with its flagship Crown model after an upgrade from 2022 to 2023 that will include an automated driving system with hands-free capability on the highway. The technology will then be gradually introduced on other models.

Currently only two models, Lexus’ high-end sedan and the fuel cell vehicle Mirai, are equipped with the technology. Toyota is considering installing self-driving functions on lower-priced vehicles such as the Corolla, as it confirms the availability of certain parts, including sensors that can detect people and objects.

Starting in 2022, Mazda will introduce level 2 or 3 automated driving functions to its medium-size and large sport utility vehicles. Subaru, meanwhile, plans to add functions such as hands-free driving on highways at speeds of up to 50kph to all its cars sold worldwide.

But US manufacturers have already pulled ahead. Tesla already includes level 2 on its models as standard equipment, and Waymyo, Alphabet’s self-driving unit, is developing level 4 and above technology. Level 4 offers a high level of automation but not full, while level 5 is fully automated.

In Japan, level 4 vehicles are not allowed to operate on public roads, but some regulations are likely to be relaxed. Most Japanese manufacturers are expected to test the reliability of level 2 before aiming higher, however.