Waymo Taps Toyota to Build Robotaxis for Japan and U.K. Markets

Waymo will begin testing autonomous Toyota bZ4X vehicles in Japan next year under a partnership announced Friday, with Toyota manufacturing the 2027 model year vehicles and integrating Waymo's self-driving system at its Takaoka factory. The vehicles will initially be tested in Japan, where Waymo intends to eventually run a robotaxi service, before deployment in other right-hand-drive countries such as the U.K., where Waymo has tested Jaguar I-Pace vehicles in London and plans a commercial launch pending permits. The bZ4X is known as the BZ in North America. The deal follows a preliminary agreement signed 18 months ago to explore an autonomous vehicle platform. For now it resembles a conventional supplier arrangement, though the companies said they will continue exploring bringing Waymo's technology to personally owned Toyota vehicles and other safety initiatives.