Technology1 min read

Waymo in Japan: Toyota to build self-driving EVs

By · Published by Everything Blog

In short

The partnership focuses on assembling electric bZ4X models equipped with Waymo's Level 4 autonomous system at Toyota's Takaoka plant in Aichi Prefecture. Initial validation will take place in Japan beginning in 2027 before expanding into the United Kingdom and other target regions. The specialized vehicles feature accessibility enhancements like automatic doors, generous rear legroom, ambient lighting, and a power liftgate. Insights gathered from these operations will also help Woven by Toyota investigate infrastructure-connected safety solutions.

Key points

  • The companies are actively exploring future applications of Waymo's autonomous system for…: The companies are actively exploring future applications of Waymo's autonomous system for privately owned consumer vehicles.
  • Real-world operational data will be utilized by Woven by Toyota to enhance broad transpor…: Real-world operational data will be utilized by Woven by Toyota to enhance broad transportation safety initiatives.
  • Toyota plans to investigate linking autonomous vehicles directly with local traffic infra…: Toyota plans to investigate linking autonomous vehicles directly with local traffic infrastructure to help prevent road accidents.

Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1

The collaboration will combine Toyota's vehicle manufacturing capabilities with Waymo's autonomous driving technology. The companies also plan to expand the deployment to the UK and other markets where Waymo operates in the following years. The initial phase will focus on testing and validating the autonomous bZ4X fleet in Japan.

Toyota to manufacture and equip driverless bZ4X vehicles at its Aichi plant

Under the partnership, Toyota will manufacture the vehicles at its Takaoka plant in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan.The manufacturing and technology integration process will take place at the same facility. Toyota will assemble the base bZ4X vehicle and integrate the hardware required for Waymo's autonomous driving system.

This arrangement brings vehicle production and autonomous technology integration under one roof, allowing the companies to work together on scaling the fleet.

The partnership builds on a preliminary agreement announced by Toyota and Waymo in April 2025. The latest announcement marks the next stage of that collaboration, moving towards actual fleet testing and eventual deployment.

The companies aim to scale Level 4 autonomous vehicles that have undergone safety validation. Level 4 autonomy…

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