Waymo to Deploy Toyota bZ4X Robotaxis in Japan from 2027

Waymo has announced that the Toyota bZ4X will become its next robotaxi, with a custom version built on the same assembly line as the regular SUV in Japan. The partnership, signed last year, will see a test fleet of driverless crossovers begin operating in Tokyo in 2027. This marks the first vehicle to emerge from the collaboration and gives Waymo a domestically produced car for its Japanese launch, with plans to extend the service to the UK and other markets thereafter. Toyota will integrate Waymo’s Driver software directly into the bZ4X, creating a seamless, factory‑installed autonomous system. The move allows Waymo to avoid import logistics, reduce deployment costs, and accelerate its global robotaxi rollout by leveraging a local production base.