Toyota And Waymo To Start Testing Self-Driving bZ4X SUVs In 2027 Ahead Of Robotaxi Service Launch

Toyota and Waymo are advancing their autonomous driving partnership, with plans to introduce a fleet of self-driving Toyota bZ4X electric SUVs in Japan as they work towards launching the country’s first domestically manufactured fully autonomous ride-hailing service.

The two companies’ next phase of collaboration builds on a preliminary agreement announced in April 2025. Initial testing and validation of the autonomous bZ4X fleet are scheduled to begin in Japan in 2027, ahead of the planned expansion to other Waymo-serviced markets.

Their partnership combines Toyota’s vehicle manufacturing expertise with Waymo’s self-driving technology to accelerate the deployment of Level 4 autonomous vehicles designed to handle driving tasks without human intervention within their designated operating conditions.

Toyota will manufacture the vehicles at its Takaoka plant in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan, where Waymo’s autonomous driving hardware will also be integrated into the bZ4X during assembly.

Designed for comfort and greater accessibility, the specially equipped Toyota bZ4X vehicles will feature several passenger-focused modifications, including generous rear legroom, automatic doors, a power liftgate and ambient lighting.

Beyond Japan, the companies plan to expand the collaboration to the United Kingdom and other markets where Waymo operates. Toyota and Waymo are also exploring opportunities to bring autonomous driving technology to personally owned Toyota vehicles.

“In areas where Waymo operates, we’ve demonstrated that we are up to 20x safer than human drivers when it comes to serious crash injuries, and our partnership with Toyota will help us bring the safety and convenience of autonomous driving to more people around the world, including key international markets like Japan,” said Dmitri Dolgov, co-CEO of Waymo.

Toyota Executive Vice President Hiroki Nakajima also said the partnership would help make advanced safety technology accessible to more people, noting that “no single company can achieve the goal of zero traffic accidents alone, but with partners like Waymo, we will get there one step at a time.”

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