Waymo Partners with Toyota to Launch Robotaxi Testing in Japan and the U.K.
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Waymo has announced plans to test autonomous Toyota bZ4X vehicles in Japan starting next year, as part of a partnership with Toyota to supply electric vehicles for robotaxi operations in international markets, including the U.K. This collaboration will see Toyota manufacture the 2027 bZ4X vehicles and integrate Waymo's self-driving technology at its Takaoka factory.
The significance of this partnership lies in Waymo's strategy to expand its robotaxi services into right-hand driving countries, with Japan being the initial testing ground. Waymo has already been testing its autonomous Jaguar I-Pace vehicles in London and aims to launch a robotaxi service there pending necessary permits. This partnership marks a shift from a preliminary agreement to a more concrete vehicle supply arrangement, enhancing Waymo's operational capabilities in specific regions.
Waymo's testing of the bZ4X vehicles is a critical step towards establishing a robotaxi service in Japan. The companies also plan to explore further initiatives that leverage Waymo's technology to enhance safety for all road users. No further timeline was disclosed at the time of publication.
Original report
Waymo taps Toyota to supply robotaxis for Japan and the U.K.
TechCrunch · Kirsten KorosecThis briefing is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting and is provided for industry information and news discovery. The original report and source publication are credited and linked where applicable. RobotToday does not claim ownership of third-party source material.
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