Waymo’s next robotaxi is a purpose-built Toyota bZ4X

<figure> <img alt="Waymo Toyota bZ4x" data-caption="" data-portal-copyright="" data-has-syndication-rights="1" src="https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/10/unnamed-1.webp?quality=90&#038;strip=all&#038;crop=0,0,100,100" /> <figcaption> </figcaption> </figure> <p class="wp-block-paragraph"><a href="https://waymo.com/blog/2026/10/toyota-bz4x-partnership/">Waymo announced today</a> that when it launches <a href="https://www.theverge.com/transportation/995408/waymo-says-it-will-launch-in-japan-in-2027">a robotaxi service in Tokyo in 2027</a>, it will use <a href="https://www.theverge.com/23180408/toyota-bz4x-electric-suv-review-specs-price">Toyota bZ4X</a> electric vehicles that are assembled in Japan. The news builds on the strategic partnership between Waymo and Toyota which was <a href="https://www.theverge.com/google-waymo/658485/waymo-toyota">first announced in April 2025</a>. </p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">The robotaxis will be built entirely under one roof at Toyota's Takaoka plant in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Instead of building regular cars and modifying them later, the factory will install Waymo's self-driving sensors and computers right on the assembly line as each car is made.</p> <p class="wp-block-paragraph">A team-up between the world's largest automaker and the world's leader in autonomous dri …</p> <p><a href="https://www.theverge.com/transportation/1023112/waymos-next-robotaxi-is-a-purpose-built-toyota-bz4x">Read the full story at The Verge.</a></p>