Waymo and Toyota expand partnership to build and test autonomous bZ4X robotaxis in Japan
Waymo is expanding its collaboration with Toyota to assemble and test autonomous bZ4X electric SUVs in Japan starting in 2027, ahead of planned robotaxi rollouts in the UK.
Waymo is expanding its partnership with Toyota to build and deploy autonomous electric vehicles, beginning with testing of self-driving Toyota bZ4X SUVs in Japan in 2027. Under the expanded agreement, Toyota will manufacture the electric vehicles and integrate Waymo's autonomous driving hardware directly on the assembly line at its Takaoka factory in Japan.[1][2][3][4][5]
The upcoming trials will start with a small fleet of vehicles ahead of planned robotaxi operations in Tokyo and the UK, with potential deployment into other international markets later. The deal builds on an initial partnership established between the two companies in April 2025. While Waymo already tests Jaguar I-PACE vehicles in Japan and London, the bZ4X provides a new manufacturing platform for scaling its international footprint.[1][5]
In addition to commercial robotaxi fleets, Waymo and Toyota plan to explore adapting Waymo's self-driving technology for personally owned consumer vehicles. Full deployment timelines and broader rollout specifications have not yet been disclosed.[1][4]
Key facts
- Toyota will manufacture self-driving bZ4X electric SUVs and install Waymo's hardware at its Takaoka factory in Japan.
- Testing of the autonomous bZ4X vehicles in Japan is scheduled to begin in 2027 with a small initial fleet.
- Robotaxi deployments are planned for Tokyo and the UK, with potential expansion to additional markets.
- The collaboration expands an initial partnership announced between Waymo and Toyota in April 2025.
- Waymo currently tests autonomous Jaguar I-PACE vehicles in Japan and London.
- Waymo and Toyota also plan to explore integrating Waymo's autonomous driving technology into personally owned consumer vehicles.
Sources · 5 sources
- WS
Wall St Engine@wallstenginePost on X ·
WAYMO TAPS TOYOTA TO BUILD ROBOTAXIS FOR JAPAN & THE UK $GOOGL's Waymo is expanding its partnership with Toyota $TM, with plans to begin testing autonomous Toyota bZ4X electric vehicles in Japan in 2027, followed by deployment in the UK and potentially other markets. Toyota will manufacture the vehicles at its Takaoka factory in Japan, where Waymo's self-driving hardware will also be installed. The agreement builds on an initial partnership announced in April 2025. Waymo is already testing Jaguar I-PACE vehicles in Japan and London, but the Toyota deal gives it another vehicle platform for expanding internationally. The companies also plan to explore bringing Waymo's autonomous technology to personally owned Toyota vehicles, potentially extending the partnership beyond robotaxis. Initial testing will involve a small number of vehicles, with broader deployment details yet to be announced.
Open source - TE
TechCrunch@TechCrunchPost on X ·
Waymo will begin testing self-driving versions of Toyota's electric bZ4X vehicles in Japan next year as part of a broader partnership with the automaker. https://t.co/EKMfYxb29f
Open source - EN
Engadget@engadgetPost on X ·
Waymo and Toyota will start testing autonomous bZ4X vehicles in Japan next year. (edited) https://t.co/sl5LEQs7eB
Open source - SB
Shay Boloor@StockSavvyShayPost on X ·
$GOOGL Waymo just tapped Toyota to build robotaxis for Japan starting in 2027 with the UK to follow by integrating its self-driving hardware directly into Toyota’s factories. That could significantly lower cost per mile as Waymo scales globally while opening door to bringing its tech into personally owned Toyotas.
Open source - TV
The Verge@vergePost on X ·
Toyota will assemble Waymo-equipped bZ4X electric SUVs directly on its factory line in Japan ahead of planned robotaxi rollouts in Tokyo and the UK. https://t.co/wrK0lm1khq
Open source