Japan's Honda Motor is teaming up with US automaker General Motors to launch a self-driving taxi service in Tokyo. The companies plan to roll out the service in 2026.

A GM subsidiary, Cruise, will also be involved. The three firms are aiming to set up a joint venture in the first half of next year.

The plan is to introduce the service in central Tokyo first, before expanding it to other areas.

Officials say the taxis won't be restricted to fixed routes, but can travel freely along any roads to a passenger's chosen destination.

They say they'll start with a few dozen taxis, but will eventually grow the fleet to around 500.

The vehicle they'll use goes on display for the first time in Japan at the Japan Mobility Show later this month.

Honda officials say the car will use Level-4 driverless technology. That's one level below full autonomy.

Level-4 allows for automated driving without a human behind the wheel under certain conditions.