Toyota and Waymo plan to test self-driving Toyota bZ4X electric SUVs in Japan in 2027, with Waymo’s equipment installed at Toyota’s factory and possible expansion to other markets in later years.
The plan builds on a preliminary partnership the companies announced in April 2025. It turns broad cooperation talks into a plan naming a vehicle and a timetable for initial operations. Toyota will build the cars at its Takaoka plant in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture.
The company says Waymo’s self-driving equipment will be installed during production, rather than added at another location. The customized SUVs are expected to have automatic doors, a powered liftgate, soft interior lighting and more rear legroom for passengers. The 2027 phase will involve testing and confirming how the vehicles work.
The companies have not said when paying passengers might be able to ride in the bZ4X robotaxis. They have said the service could later expand to the United Kingdom and other markets where Waymo operates. They have not given a schedule.
The companies have not said how many vehicles will be in the fleet or where in Japan the tests will take place. Toyota’s technology chief said the first operations would involve a small number of vehicles. The companies also say they will continue to explore self-driving technology for Toyota vehicles that people own.
They will also explore safety efforts based on Waymo’s experience on roads.