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● LIVE Updated 1h ago · 15 sources tracked

Waymo picks Toyota bZ4X as its next robotaxi, starting in Japan in 2027

Waymo and Toyota are teaming up to launch a fleet of autonomous Toyota bZ4X electric vehicles, starting with a test service in Japan in 2027. Toyota will build the purpose-built robotaxis and install autonomous-driving hardware at its Takaoka plant. Following the initial rollout in Japan, the companies plan to expand operations to the United Kingdom as part of a broader strategy to build a large-scale global autonomous vehicle business. This collaboration marks a major step toward commercializing self-driving ride-hailing fleets overseas using dedicated vehicle platforms.

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  • ✓ Waymo and Toyota are partnering to deploy a fleet of autonomous Toyota bZ4X electric vehicles starting in Japan in 2027.
  • ✓ Toyota's Takaoka plant will assemble the vehicles and install the autonomous-driving hardware.
  • ✓ The companies plan to expand operations to the United Kingdom after the initial launch in Japan.
  • ✓ The initiative represents a first step toward creating a large-scale global business for autonomous ride-hailing.
🛡️ Source Corroboration: 15 independent reporting domains (95% confidence) ⏱ Read time: ~2 min

What changed

Waymo selected the Toyota bZ4X as its next robotaxi platform, with initial deployment scheduled for Japan in 2027 followed by the UK.

Live updates

  1. Waymo Partners with Toyota to Deploy bZ4X Robotaxis in 2027

    Waymo and Toyota are teaming up to launch a fleet of autonomous Toyota bZ4X electric vehicles, starting with a test service in Japan in 2027. Toyota will build the purpose-built robotaxis and install autonomous-driving hardware at its Takaoka plant. Following the initial rollout in Japan, the companies plan to expand operations to the United Kingdom as part of a broader strategy to build a large-scale global autonomous vehicle business. This collaboration marks a major step toward commercializing self-driving ride-hailing fleets overseas using dedicated vehicle platforms.

    Why it matters

    Waymo has historically relied on vehicles like the Jaguar I-Pace and Chrysler Pacifica for its domestic U.S. operations. Partnering with a major volume manufacturer like Toyota allows Waymo to scale its hardware integration efforts on a dedicated platform. The venture represents a significant push into international markets outside the United States, starting in Asia and Europe.

    What is confirmed

    • Waymo and Toyota are partnering to deploy a fleet of autonomous Toyota bZ4X electric vehicles starting in Japan in 2027.
    • Toyota's Takaoka plant will assemble the vehicles and install the autonomous-driving hardware.
    • The companies plan to expand operations to the United Kingdom after the initial launch in Japan.
    • The initiative represents a first step toward creating a large-scale global business for autonomous ride-hailing.

    Still unconfirmed

    • Tesla was previously considered as a potential partner for Waymo before the Toyota deal was struck.

    What to watch next

    • Execution of the 2027 trial service rollout in Japan
    • Specific announcements regarding the exact launch timeline for the United Kingdom market
    • Further details on vehicle production capacity at Toyota's Takaoka plant
    Sources used for this update (14)
    1. Electrek — Waymo picks Toyota bZ4X as its next robotaxi, starting in Japan in 2027
    2. Forbes — Waymo Partners With Toyota For New Robotaxi. It Could Have Been Tesla
    3. Reuters — Toyota, Waymo to test autonomous bZ4Xs in Japan in 2027, eye overseas expansion
    4. The Verge — Waymo’s next robotaxi is a purpose-built Toyota bZ4X
    5. TechCrunch — Waymo taps Toyota to supply robotaxis for Japan and the UK
    6. Japan Today — Toyota, Waymo to begin autonomous taxi trial service in Japan in 2027
    7. ElectricDrives — Toyota and Waymo to deploy autonomous bZ4X EV fleet
    8. Automotive News — Toyota to build Waymo robotaxis for Japan, UK in first step to creating large-scale global business
    9. トヨタ自動車株式会社 公式企業サイト — Toyota and Waymo Advance Autonomous Driving Collaboration for Safer Streets and Freedom of Movement for All
    10. autopostglobal.com — Ford’s Popular Escape Will Be Back From the Dead—With One Major Makeover Twist
    11. waymo.com — Toyota and Waymo Advance Autonomous Driving Collaboration for ...
    12. electrek.co — Waymo picks Toyota bZ4X as its next robotaxi, starting in ...
    confidence 95%
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