Waymo and Toyota plan bZ4X robotaxi tests in Japan in 2027
Toyota will build the self-driving SUVs, Waymo hardware installed, at a plant in Toyota City. The UK and other Waymo markets are planned later.
Toyota and Waymo announced the next phase of their partnership on October 30. Starting in 2027, they will begin initial operations to test and validate a fleet of autonomous Toyota bZ4X SUVs in Japan, with deployment to the United Kingdom and other Waymo markets planned for the years after.
Toyota will build the vehicles at its Takaoka plant in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, handling everything from assembling the base car to integrating Waymo's self-driving hardware under one roof.
The companies call the partnership a major milestone in the expansion of Japan's first fully autonomous ride-hailing service using high-volume, domestically manufactured vehicles. The custom bZ4X has generous rear legroom, automatic doors, a power liftgate, and ambient lighting to make getting in and out easier.
The deal builds on a preliminary agreement from April 2025. The two companies say they will also keep exploring self-driving technology for personally owned Toyota cars, and will work on further safety initiatives with Woven by Toyota.
Why it matters
Robotaxis only scale if someone can mass-produce the cars. Here Waymo's driving system goes into a vehicle that Toyota builds on its own factory line, start to finish. That's a step toward volume production, and it gives Waymo a locally built vehicle for Japan. Testing starts in 2027, so riders shouldn't expect these cars on the road soon.
New to robots? Start with our beginner's guide: How robots work: a beginner's guide for BattleBots fans.