Waymo, Toyota Plan 2027 bZ4X Robotaxis for Japan and UK
Waymo and Toyota will build autonomous 2027 bZ4X electric vehicles in Japan for robotaxi tests, targeting services in Japan and the U.K. from 2027.
Summary
Waymo and Toyota announced on October 30, 2026, that Toyota will manufacture 2027 bZ4X electric vehicles and integrate Waymo’s self-driving system at its Takaoka factory in Japan. Testing begins in Japan in 2027, supporting Waymo’s planned robotaxi service there and potential deployment in other right-hand-drive markets, including the U.K. The bZ4X is called the BZ in North America.
Waymo has tested autonomous Jaguar I-Pace vehicles in London for months and plans a robotaxi launch after obtaining permits. The deal follows a preliminary autonomous-platform agreement signed 18 months earlier and currently resembles a regional vehicle-supply arrangement that adds another model to Waymo’s fleet. The companies will also explore Waymo technology for personally owned Toyotas and unspecified safety initiatives using insights from Waymo’s real-world operations. Toyota executive vice president and board member Hiroki Nakajima said vehicle integration with traffic infrastructure could further improve road safety.
Positives
- Toyota will manufacture 2027 bZ4X vehicles and install Waymo’s self-driving system at its Takaoka factory in Japan.
- Testing begins in Japan in 2027, creating a production path toward Waymo’s planned robotaxi service there.
- U.K. deployment would extend the Toyota-based robotaxi platform into another right-hand-drive market.
- Waymo gains a regionally suitable electric model alongside its autonomous Jaguar I-Pace fleet.
- Personally owned Toyota vehicles could eventually receive Waymo technology under continued joint exploration.
- Waymo operating insights may support Toyota initiatives integrating vehicles with traffic infrastructure to improve safety.
Risks & concerns
- Waymo’s London robotaxi launch remains dependent on receiving the necessary permits.
- Japan testing starts in 2027, but no commercial launch date has been disclosed.
- The current partnership primarily resembles a conventional supply deal rather than the broader autonomous platform previously explored.
- Plans for personally owned Toyotas remain exploratory, with no product, market or timetable confirmed.
- Future road-safety initiatives remain unspecified beyond possible vehicle and traffic infrastructure integration.