Toyota Motor and Waymo are expanding their collaboration in autonomous driving. Trials and operations of Waymo autonomous taxis using Toyota bZ4X vehicles are scheduled to begin in Japan in 2027, with deployment in other markets, including the United Kingdom, to follow.
Toyota Motor and Waymo announced that they are advancing their collaboration in autonomous driving, aimed at creating a safe transportation society and freedom of mobility for all. Based on the basic agreement reached in 2025, they plan to begin initial operations in Japan in 2027 using Toyota bZ4X vehicles for Waymo's autonomous taxis, with the aim of realizing Japan's first fully autonomous taxi service using vehicles produced domestically.
The vehicles will be produced at Toyota's Takaoka Plant in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, with the entire process, from assembly through installation of Waymo's autonomous driving hardware, completed at the same plant. Combining Waymo's fully autonomous driving technology with Toyota's vehicle development and production expertise, the companies aim to accelerate the global adoption of Level 4 autonomous vehicles.
Going forward, deployment will be expanded sequentially to markets outside Japan. The companies will use Waymo's real-world operating data and expertise to improve safety and convenience, while Toyota considers the future social implementation of autonomous driving technology. Waymo is emphasizing its high level of safety through deployment in major markets, including Japan.
The collaboration is positioned as a first step toward realizing an autonomous taxi service in Japan, with discussions continuing on strengthening the partnership and using data in the future.