Waymo and Toyota Forge Strategic Alliance to Accelerate Autonomous Vehicle Deployment

April 29, 2025: Toyota Motor Corporation and Waymo have reached a preliminary agreement to explore a collaboration that is designed to expedite the development and implementation of autonomous driving technologies. The partnership represents a significant alignment between one of the world’s largest automotive manufacturers and a leader in autonomous driving technology.

As part of this collaboration, Woven by Toyota, the automaker’s software and mobility innovation subsidiary, will also participate as a strategic enabler. Its role will be to support the initiative with its advanced software capabilities and mobility solutions expertise.

The potential partnership is rooted in a shared commitment to improving road safety and delivering increased mobility to a broader population. Toyota and Waymo plan to combine their individual expertise to create a next-generation platform for autonomous vehicles.

 Simultaneously, the companies will explore the integration of Waymo's cutting-edge autonomous technology with Toyota’s vehicle engineering to support personally owned vehicles (POVs). The collaboration’s full scope is expected to evolve over time through ongoing discussions.

Toyota has consistently pursued its goal of eliminating traffic accidents by focusing on three key areas that involve people, vehicles, and traffic infrastructure. At the heart of this initiative is the implementation of automated driving and advanced safety technologies, such as Toyota Safety Sense (TSS), the company's exclusive set of safety features. With this new collaboration, Toyota aims to broaden the accessibility and adoption of these technologies, particularly for POVs, while maintaining a strong emphasis on safety and reliability.

In an official press release by Waymo, Hiroki Nakajima, Member of the Board and Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Corporation, stated, “Toyota is committed to realizing a society with zero traffic accidents and becoming a mobility company that delivers mobility for all. We share a strong sense of purpose and a common vision with Waymo in advancing safety through automated driving technology, and we are confident this collaboration can help bring our solutions to more people around the world, moving us one step closer to a zero-accident society. Our companies are taking an important step toward a future with greater safety and peace of mind for all.”

In the same press release, Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO at Waymo, commented, "Waymo's mission is to be the world's most trusted driver. This requires global partners like Toyota that share our commitment to improving road safety and expanding accessible transportation. We look forward to exploring this strategic partnership, incorporating their vehicles into our ride-hailing fleet and bringing the magic of Waymo's autonomous driving technology to Toyota customers."

The preliminary agreement between Toyota and Waymo marks a pivotal step toward shaping the future of autonomous mobility. By uniting Toyota’s legacy of automotive innovation and safety with Waymo’s proven expertise in autonomous driving, the collaboration holds promise to accelerate the development of safer, more accessible transportation solutions.