Waymo, the self-driving car company owned by Google’s parent Alphabet, is expanding internationally.
On Monday, the company announced a partnership with Nihon Kotsu, a major Japanese taxi service, and the taxi app Go to bring its self-driving vehicles to Tokyo. This move is part of Waymo’s “road trip” program, where it tests its self-driving technology in new environments to make it smarter and more reliable.
Waymo’s electric Jaguar I-Pace cars will arrive in Tokyo in early 2025. During the first phase, human drivers will operate the cars manually to map out important areas of the city while Waymo’s technology learns to handle left-hand traffic and adapt to the city’s busy streets.
Nihon Kotsu will oversee the management and maintenance of the cars, while Waymo works closely with local officials to ensure a smooth and safe rollout.
Waymo already operates its self-driving cars in U.S. cities like San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles and will start testing in Miami in early 2025 with passenger rides by 2026. Waymo has also partnered with fintech company Moove to manage fleet operations, facilities, and charging infrastructure in cities like Phoenix and Miami.
These partnerships make it easier for people to use Waymo’s services through apps they already know, like Uber or Go. Instead of downloading Waymo’s app, users can book self-driving rides through familiar platforms. Local partnerships, like those with Nihon Kotsu and Moove, also help Waymo keep its growing fleet running smoothly.
