# Waymo and Toyota Explore Autonomous Partnership: A Potential Game Changer

## Waymo and Toyota Explore Autonomous Partnership: A Potential Game Changer

Waymo and Toyota are exploring a partnership that could significantly impact the autonomous vehicle landscape. The two companies have signed a preliminary agreement to investigate the development and deployment of a joint autonomous vehicle platform. This potential collaboration aims to create a new vehicle designed for ride-hailing services and integrate self-driving technology into future Toyota consumer vehicles.

According to a Waymo blog post, the agreement is currently in an exploratory phase, a “hey-let’s-see-how-we-might-work-together arrangement,” as described by a company spokesperson. Further details will be released if a definitive agreement is reached.

The potential partnership has two key goals. First, it seeks to combine Waymo’s autonomous driving technology with Toyota’s manufacturing expertise to develop a novel autonomous vehicle platform suitable for robotaxi services. Second, the companies will explore the possibility of bringing Waymo’s technology into the next generation of Toyota vehicles available to consumers.

“Toyota is committed to realizing a society with zero traffic accidents and becoming a mobility company that delivers mobility for all,” said Hiroki Nakajima, member of the board and executive vice president of Toyota, emphasizing the shared vision with Waymo in advancing safety through autonomous driving technology.

The timing of this announcement is particularly interesting. Just last week, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai hinted at Waymo’s potential interest in personally owned autonomous vehicles, marking the first time a top executive has publicly acknowledged this possibility.

This potential collaboration aligns with Waymo’s recent shift from a research and development focus to a more commercially oriented operation. The company currently operates robotaxi services in several cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Austin, and soon, Atlanta. Initially, Waymo handled all aspects of its robotaxi business.

However, the company has recently begun partnering with other businesses to share operational responsibilities. Waymo has enlisted Moove to manage its fleet of autonomous vehicles in Phoenix and teamed up with Uber to share robotaxi operations in Austin and Atlanta under the “Waymo on Uber” service.

The “Waymo on Uber” model sees Waymo handling vehicle testing, roadside assistance, and rider support, while Uber manages fleet services like cleaning, maintenance, inspections, charging, and depot operations through its Avomo division.

If Waymo and Toyota solidify their partnership, the resulting synergy could accelerate the development and deployment of autonomous vehicle technology, bringing self-driving cars closer to becoming a mainstream reality for both ride-hailing services and individual consumers. The potential for innovation and market disruption is significant, making this budding relationship one to watch closely.