Waymo taps Toyota to supply robotaxis for Japan and the U.K.

What happened

Waymo and Toyota announced a partnership on Friday. Toyota will build 2027 bZ4X electric cars at its Takaoka factory in Japan and add Waymo's self-driving system. Waymo will start testing these cars in Japan next year. The companies plan to use them in other right-hand-drive countries, such as the U.K.

Key facts

• The partnership was announced 18 months after the two companies signed a preliminary agreement.
• Waymo has tested its self-driving Jaguar I-Pace cars in London for months.
• The bZ4X is called the BZ in North America.
• Waymo plans to launch a robotaxi service in London once it gets the needed permits.

Background

A robotaxi is a self-driving car that carries paying passengers, like a ride-hailing service without a human driver. The first deal between the companies was vague and left a lot open. This new deal looks more like a normal car supplier agreement, where Toyota provides vehicles that Waymo uses to run its service in new places.

Why it matters

The deal helps Waymo expand to new countries and gives it a new car model for its robotaxi fleet. It could also grow into something bigger, such as self-driving tech for cars that people own. Toyota also said it will look at ways to make roads safer by linking vehicles with traffic systems.

What to watch

• Waymo's road tests of the bZ4X in Japan next year.
• Whether London gets the permits needed for a Waymo robotaxi service.
• Whether Waymo's technology is added to Toyota cars that people own.
• What new safety projects Toyota and Waymo announce.