Waymo partners with Toyota to build 2027 bZ4X robotaxis for Japan and UK
Toyota will manufacture 2027 bZ4X EVs and integrate Waymo's self-driving system at its Takaoka factory; testing in Japan starts next year, with UK deployment planned.
The story in focus
TechCrunch reports that Waymo and Toyota announced a partnership under which Toyota will manufacture 2027 bZ4X electric vehicles and integrate Waymo's self-driving system at its Takaoka factory in Japan. Testing in Japan is planned to begin next year, with eventual deployment intended for right-hand-drive markets including the U.K.
- Toyota will manufacture the 2027 bZ4X and integrate Waymo's self-driving system at its Takaoka factory in Japan.
- Autonomous bZ4X vehicles will initially be tested in Japan next year, where Waymo intends to eventually operate a robotaxi service.
- The companies intend to deploy the vehicles in other right-hand-drive countries such as the U.K.
- Waymo has been testing autonomous Jaguar I-Pace vehicles in London and plans to launch a robotaxi service there once permits are received.
- The companies said they will continue to explore bringing Waymo's autonomous technology to personally owned Toyota vehicles.
Manufacturing and integration
TechCrunch reports that Toyota will produce the 2027 bZ4X electric vehicle and install Waymo's self-driving system at its Takaoka factory in Japan. The vehicle is currently marketed as the bZ in North America.
The arrangement follows a preliminary agreement signed 18 months earlier to explore an autonomous vehicle platform. TechCrunch described the current deal as resembling a conventional vehicle supplier agreement that adds a model to Waymo's robotaxi portfolio while addressing regional needs.
Testing and deployment plans
Autonomous bZ4X vehicles are slated to begin testing in Japan next year, where Waymo intends to eventually run a robotaxi service. The companies also aim to deploy the vehicles in other right-hand-drive countries, including the U.K.
Waymo has tested autonomous Jaguar I-Pace vehicles in London for months and plans to launch a robotaxi service there once it obtains the necessary permits.
Broader ambitions
The partnership may extend beyond robotaxis. The companies said they will continue to examine bringing Waymo's autonomous technology to personally owned Toyota vehicles.
They also announced plans to study future initiatives using insights from Waymo's real-world operations to improve safety for other road users. Toyota executive vice president Hiroki Nakajima said in a statement that the collaboration would help scale the technology and bring it to customers in Japan and beyond through Waymo's ride-hailing service, while Toyota explores how integrating vehicles with traffic infrastructure can make roads safer.
When will testing of the autonomous Toyota bZ4X begin?
TechCrunch reports that testing of autonomous Toyota bZ4X vehicles in Japan is planned to begin next year, with eventual deployment intended for right-hand-drive markets including the U.K.
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