Meet someone near you.
Live video chat with people nearby. One tap, free to start.
Waymo will use Toyota’s bZ4X as its next robotaxi, with vehicles destined for Japan and the UK, TechCrunch reported on 30 October 2026. The Waymo Toyota robotaxi deal means Waymo will begin testing self-driving bZ4X vehicles in Japan next year, according to TechCrunch.
In this article
- What was announced
- Why Japan and the UK
- How the deal got here
- Example: a software specialist
- What to watch
- Robotaxi questions
What was announced
TechCrunch says Toyota will build the 2027 bZ4X and integrate Waymo’s self-driving system at its Takaoka factory.
Why Japan and the UK
The vehicles are intended for right-hand-drive markets including the UK. TechCrunch notes Waymo has tested Jaguar I-Pace cars in London and plans a launch once it receives permits. No launch date is given.
How the deal got here
The agreement comes 18 months after a preliminary Toyota-Waymo agreement signed in April 2025, per TechCrunch. Waymo’s own site, waymo.com, describes its service.
Example: a software specialist
As an illustration, not a real case: a Pakistani IT specialist tracking self-driving work might watch Japan and the UK as markets where this hardware is headed. Hiring plans were not part of the announcement, so none should be assumed. Workers considering a move can check routes with our visa eligibility checker. For other AI and hardware stories, see our coverage of the Mistral Large 4 release and the Apple and OpenAI trial date.
What to watch
Japan testing is expected next year, and UK service depends on permits. Both are conditional on regulators.
Robotaxi questions
Which vehicle will Waymo use?
The Toyota bZ4X, per TechCrunch.
Where will testing start?
In Japan, next year.
Which other market is named?
The UK, among right-hand-drive markets.
Where will Toyota build it?
At its Takaoka factory, which will integrate Waymo’s system.
Has Waymo tested in London?
Yes, with Jaguar I-Pace cars, per TechCrunch.
When did the partnership begin?
A preliminary agreement was signed in April 2025.
Sources
- TechCrunch — Waymo taps Toyota to supply robotaxis for Japan and the UK. https://techcrunch.com/2026/10/30/waymos-next-robotaxi-will-be-a-toyota-bz4x-destined-for-japan-and-the-uk/
- Waymo — Company website. https://waymo.com/
Image: Toyota bZ4X, Auto Zurich 2024, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
Verification your users actually receive.
Send one-time passcodes over WhatsApp with a single API call. Replio can generate, hash and verify the code for you.