Investing.com -- Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL)'s Waymo, a developer of autonomous vehicles, has revealed plans to begin testing its self-driving cars in Tokyo in early 2025. This marks the company's first move towards international expansion.
The company has not yet confirmed plans to commence commercial service in Tokyo. However, Waymo is set to collaborate with Nihon Kotsu, Japan's largest taxi operator, and taxi app GO to initiate testing of its Jaguar I-PACE vehicles on Tokyo's roads.
Initially, Nihon Kotsu drivers will manually operate the Waymo vehicles to map key areas of Tokyo, including Minato, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Chiyoda, Chūō, Shinagawa, and Kōtō. The data collected from these manned test drives will be utilized to train Waymo's AI systems. Additionally, Waymo will test its robotaxis on a closed course in the U.S., designed to replicate driving conditions in Japan.
The first phase of this partnership, expected to span several quarters, was announced by Waymo to CNBC. The company also communicated its intention to maintain a long-term presence in Japan.
Waymo stated in a release, “Our upcoming road trip to Tokyo gives us the chance to work alongside local partners, government officials, and community groups to understand the new landscape. We’ll learn how Waymo can serve Tokyo’s residents and become a beneficial part of the city’s transportation ecosystem.”
Nihon Kotsu will be responsible for the management and servicing of Waymo’s vehicles in Japan, according to the companies.
In 2024, Waymo announced a series of expansions across the U.S. Earlier this month, the company revealed plans for new testing in Miami in 2025. In November, it launched its driverless ride hail service across Los Angeles, and in September, it announced planned expansions into Austin and Atlanta in partnership with Uber (NYSE:UBER).
The initiative in Japan signifies Waymo's first venture into a left-hand traffic market.
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