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Alphabet-backed Waymo (GOOGL-0.59%) is making its international debut, more than 15 years after the self-driving car startup was founded.
The autonomous vehicle company described its plans as a “road trip,” meant to collect data about the nuances of driving in Tokyo, including left-hand traffic and navigating in a densely populated urban environment. Waymo said the endeavor will help it learn how to serve Tokyo’s residents and work with local partners and policymakers.
The firm is teaming up with Nihon Kotsu, a major Japanese taxi operator, whose drivers will be behind the wheels of Waymo’s cars as it maps out major areas in Tokyo. That includes Shibuya, a major commercial center, and Minato, a business area where Honda Motor (HMC+0.76%), Mitsubishi (MSBHF-1.45%), and SoftBank are headquartered. About 25 of Waymo’s Jaguar I-PACE SUVs will be sent to Japan beginning in 2025.
The tests will give Waymo an idea of how to operate in an international setting, given that its vehicles have only been tested in North America. But the company said it isn’t ready to announce plans for an international expansion, telling The Verge that “we have no plans to serve riders in Tokyo at this time.”
“Our commitment to safer transportation goes beyond borders, and we’re excited to bring the Waymo Driver to Japan,” Waymo co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana said in a statement. “Working with Nihon Kotsu and GO, we’ll understand Tokyo’s unique transportation needs and lay the groundwork for shaping the future of transportation in the city.”
GO, a popular taxi app, could take the role that Waymo has planned for a similar partner in the U.S., Uber (UBER+0.86%). Waymo and the ride-hail provider are planning to launch its self-driving car services in Austin and Atlanta in early 2025 through Uber’s app. In other cities, including San Francisco and Phoenix, consumers can hail a Waymo through the company’s own mobile app.
Several autonomous vehicle companies already have some operations in Japan, which has been leading the road in terms of legal development, even if China and the U.S. are home to the industry’s leaders. Japan plans to allow self-driving vehicles on at least 25 public roads by March 2025, with a goal of reaching 100 routes.
Over the summer, Nissan (NSANY+11.24%) demonstrated its self-driving tech and plans to begin providing commercial robotaxi services to “three to four” municipalities by its 2027 fiscal year. Tier IV has been selected by Japan’s government to develop a self-driving taxi large enough to transport a family. Commercial operations of Japan’s first Level 4 self-driving tax service began last month in Odaiba, Tokyo.
Waymo’s announcement also comes on the heels of General Motors (GM-1.75%)’ announcement that it would pause funding for its Cruise robotaxi division as losses piled up. Several companies, including Honda, had planned to work with Cruise on self-driving plans, which have now been halted or canceled.