Waymo self-driving cars are expected to begin testing in Japan in 2027 through an expanded partnership between Toyota Motor Corporation and the American autonomous driving technology company, marking another significant development in the global race to transform how people travel. The project will bring together Toyota’s experience in vehicle manufacturing and electric mobility with Waymo’s autonomous driving systems, as both companies explore opportunities to introduce driverless transportation to more international markets.
The announcement, made on Friday, October 30, 2026, builds on an earlier agreement between the companies and signals their intention to move beyond technology development towards practical testing in a new market. Although the initial programme will focus on validating vehicles and autonomous driving systems, the partnership could eventually support the development of commercial robotaxi services in Japan.
The development also comes at a time when automotive manufacturers and technology companies are investing heavily in artificial intelligence, electric vehicles and automated mobility, hoping to establish themselves in an industry that could significantly change urban transportation.
Toyota to Manufacture Electric Vehicles for Waymo’s Japan Programme
Under the partnership, Toyota will provide its bZ4X electric vehicle as the primary platform for the initial testing programme, while Waymo will integrate its autonomous driving technology into the vehicles. Production and vehicle preparation will take place at Toyota’s Takaoka plant in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, where the company will handle vehicle assembly and the installation of the required autonomous driving equipment.
In addition to the technical modifications, both companies intend to improve the passenger experience by introducing features that make the vehicles more comfortable and convenient for people using automated transport services. These improvements include automatic doors, a power liftgate, ambient lighting and additional rear-seat legroom.
Meanwhile, Waymo will contribute the software and hardware systems that allow vehicles to interpret their surroundings, identify other road users, respond to traffic conditions and navigate roads without continuous human control.
The companies are targeting Level 4 autonomous driving, which allows vehicles to complete driving tasks independently within specific operating conditions and designated environments. Unlike systems that require drivers to remain attentive and ready to take control, Level 4 technology can operate without human intervention within its approved conditions.
However, successful testing will still require extensive safety assessments and compliance with Japanese transportation regulations before any wider commercial deployment can take place.
Partnership Builds on Earlier Toyota-Waymo Agreement
The latest development follows an initial partnership announced in April 2025, when Toyota and Waymo began exploring opportunities to combine their respective expertise in vehicle production and autonomous driving.
Through the expanded arrangement, both companies hope to develop a vehicle platform that can support different transportation needs while improving the reliability and accessibility of driverless mobility.
Furthermore, the collaboration extends beyond Japan, with the companies identifying the United Kingdom and other markets where Waymo operates as potential areas for future expansion. The focus on Japan and Britain is particularly relevant because both countries use right-hand-drive vehicles, creating opportunities to adapt vehicle platforms for markets with similar driving configurations.
Toyota and Waymo also plan to work with Woven by Toyota, the Japanese manufacturer’s technology subsidiary, to explore how autonomous driving systems and vehicle data could contribute to safer roads. Their broader ambition includes examining ways to introduce autonomous technology into personally owned Toyota vehicles rather than limiting its application to commercial transportation.
What the Development Means for the Future of Transportation
The planned Japanese trials reflect a wider shift in the global automotive industry, where manufacturers are increasingly exploring how artificial intelligence and automated driving systems could change traditional transportation services.
For Japan, the project could create opportunities to introduce new mobility solutions, particularly as the country continues to examine ways of improving transportation access and developing advanced vehicle technologies.
Similarly, Toyota stands to strengthen its position in the emerging autonomous mobility industry by working with a company that has already developed and operated driverless transportation services in other markets.
Nevertheless, several challenges remain, including public acceptance, road safety, regulatory requirements and the cost of operating autonomous vehicles at scale. These factors will determine how quickly the technology can move from controlled testing environments into everyday transportation.
The companies have not yet disclosed the exact number of vehicles involved in the initial Japanese programme or confirmed the specific locations where testing will take place.
Ultimately, the 2027 testing programme will provide an opportunity for Toyota and Waymo to assess how their combined technologies perform in Japan’s road environment. If the project achieves its objectives, it could open the door to wider autonomous vehicle operations and strengthen the development of driverless electric transportation across international markets.