Technology · 2026-10-30 · Morning briefing

Waymo taps Toyota for robotaxi expansion to Japan and UK

Waymo is expanding its robotaxi operations internationally through a partnership with Toyota. The autonomous driving company will begin testing electric Toyota bZ4X vehicles in Japan next year, with the U.K. also targeted for deployment. The formal agreement, announced on Friday, comes 18 months after the two firms first signed a preliminary deal to explore a joint platform.

Under the new arrangement, Toyota will manufacture its 2027 bZ4X models with Waymo’s self-driving system integrated directly at its Takaoka factory in Japan. Hiroki Nakajima, an executive vice president at Toyota, stated the goal is to scale the technology for Waymo's ride-hailing service. He added that Toyota will also explore how integrating vehicles with traffic infrastructure could improve road safety—a step beyond simply putting autonomous cars on existing streets.

Summary written by Cup of News with AI from the sources below. Check the originals for the full story.

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• Waymo taps Toyota to supply robotaxis for Japan and the U.K.
• Toyota, Waymo to test autonomous bZ4Xs in Japan in 2027, eye overseas expansion
• Waymo Targets Tokyo Robotaxi Launch in 2027
• Waymo Borrows $5 Billion To Fuel Its Global Robotaxi Expansion
• Waymo aims to launch robotaxi service in Tokyo in 2027

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