Waymo has partnered with Toyota to deploy its self-driving robotaxis using Toyota’s electric bZ4X model, starting with testing in Japan next year. Toyota will manufacture the 2027 bZ4X vehicles at its Takaoka plant, integrating Waymo’s autonomous driving system. This move aims to establish a robotaxi service in Japan and later expand to other right-hand driving markets, notably the United Kingdom, where Waymo has been piloting autonomous Jaguar I-Pace vehicles in London.

The collaboration builds on a preliminary agreement made 18 months ago, transitioning from exploratory talks to a firm supplier partnership, addressing regional vehicle needs with Toyota providing a new electric model for Waymo’s robotaxi fleet. Besides robotaxis, the two companies expressed interest in extending Waymo’s autonomous technology to private Toyota vehicles, signaling a broader future collaboration beyond ride-hailing. They also plan to explore initiatives focused on leveraging Waymo’s operational data to enhance road safety and traffic infrastructure integration.

Hiroki Nakajima, Toyota’s executive vice president, highlighted that the partnership not only advances autonomous vehicle technology but also aims to improve safety for all road users through interaction between vehicles and traffic systems. This suggests potential development in smart infrastructure in conjunction with autonomous vehicles to create safer driving environments in the regions where the partnership’s services will operate.

Waymo’s strategy with Toyota represents a key step in its international robotaxi expansion outside the United States, selecting markets with right-hand driving for seamless vehicle deployment. The deal adds a new electric vehicle option to Waymo’s fleet and underscores Toyota’s commitment to supporting autonomous technology advancement, while both companies look to scale autonomous ride-hailing services with an eye on regulatory approvals and infrastructure adaptation in Japan and the UK.