Waymo and Toyota have formalized an agreement to begin testing autonomous Toyota bZ4X electric vehicles in Japan starting in 2027. Following initial trials in Japan, the companies plan to expand the fleet to the United Kingdom and other right-hand-drive regions. Toyota will build the vehicles and install Waymo's self-driving hardware directly at its Takaoka plant in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. [3][4]
The autonomous bZ4X models build on Waymo's ongoing international efforts. The company previously tested Jaguar I-PACE electric vehicles in Tokyo with drivers from Nihon Kotsu Co. to train navigation software, laying the groundwork for a commercial Tokyo ride-hailing debut next year. In London, Waymo has also tested autonomous I-PACE models and aims to launch service once local permits are secured. [3][4]
The collaboration marks an evolution of a preliminary exploratory agreement the two companies signed in April 2025. Beyond fleet robotaxis, the partners noted they will evaluate bringing Waymo's autonomous driving systems into privately owned Toyota consumer vehicles and investigate how traffic infrastructure integration might improve broader road safety. [3][4]
