Toyota and Waymo launch Japan autonomous ride-hailing for 2027

Toyota and Waymo confirmed their next phase of autonomous driving collaboration on October 30, 2026. Initial operations of an autonomous ride-hailing fleet using a Toyota bZ4X vehicle will begin in Japan in 2027, building on a preliminary agreement from April 2025. The partnership will test and validate the autonomous Toyota bZ4X fleet, starting in right-hand drive markets like Japan and the UK.

This move addresses an urgent global safety need. The World Health Organization reported 1.16 million traffic fatalities worldwide in 2025. By combining Toyota's manufacturing with Waymo's autonomous technology, the companies aim to accelerate the global scaling of safety-validated Level 4 autonomous vehicles.

Production and Vehicle Details

Toyota will build the autonomous vehicles at its Takaoka plant in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture. The entire process, from assembling the base vehicle to integrating Waymo's autonomous driving hardware, will occur under one roof.

The custom-outfitted bZ4X is designed specifically for ride-hailing comfort and accessibility. Key features include generous rear legroom, automatic doors, a power liftgate, and ambient lighting. Waymo, which is currently testing Jaguar I-PACE vehicles in Japan, plans its 2027 pilot with the Toyota model.

Global Expansion Strategy

Following the 2027 launch in Japan, deployment to the United Kingdom and other Waymo-serviced markets is planned for subsequent years. This staged expansion is part of a strategy to scale the technology globally.

Safety Partnership Rationale

The core rationale for the collaboration is a shared commitment to eliminating traffic accidents. Waymo claims its technology is up to 20 times safer than human drivers for serious crash injuries in its operational areas.

Dmitri Dolgov, co-CEO of Waymo, said, "Toyota's commitment to zero traffic accidents resonates deeply with us at Waymo, and we're proud to work together toward safer roads for all." Hiroki Nakajima, Toyota's executive vice president, emphasized that safety technology makes the biggest difference when it reaches as many people as possible. This collaboration will help scale that technology through Waymo's ride-hailing service.

The companies will also explore the future of autonomous driving for personally owned Toyota vehicles. Alongside Woven by Toyota, they will investigate additional initiatives to improve road safety using Waymo's real-world operations and data. Toyota will continue to examine how vehicle integration with traffic infrastructure can enhance safety further. Initial operations of an autonomous ride-hailing fleet using a Toyota bZ4X vehicle will begin in Japan in 2027.