Waymo taps Toyota to supply robotaxis for Japan and the U.K.
Waymo has partnered with Toyota to supply autonomous-ready bZ4X electric vehicles for its robotaxi services in Japan and the U.K. The deal marks a shift toward using Toyota's manufacturing capabilities to scale Waymo's self-driving technology internationally.
Why it matters
This partnership signals a significant step in the commercialization and global scaling of autonomous ride-hailing services by integrating tech platforms with established automotive manufacturing.
Waymo will begin testing autonomous Toyota bZ4X vehicles in Japan next year as part of a broader partnership with the automaker to provide electric vehicles for robotaxi operations in international markets, including the U.K.
Under the partnership announced Friday, Toyota will manufacture the 2027 bZ4X vehicles and integrate Waymo’s self-driving system at its Takaoka factory in Japan. (The electric vehicle is now known as the BZ in the North American market)
The autonomous bZ4X vehicles will initially be tested in Japan, where Waymo intends to eventually operate a robotaxi service. But the intent is to deploy these vehicles in other right-hand driving countries such as the U.K. Waymo has been testing its autonomous Jaguar I-Pace vehicles in London for months and plans to launch a robotaxi service there once it receives the necessary permits.
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