The collaboration is expected to focus on building a next-generation autonomous vehicle platform
Toyota and autonomous tech leader Waymo have reached a preliminary agreement to explore a strategic collaboration aimed at accelerating the development and deployment of self-driving vehicle technologies.
Woven by Toyota, the automaker’s advanced software and mobility innovation arm, will play a key role as a strategic enabler in the potential partnership.
Together, the companies are aligned by a shared goal: to improve road safety and increase mobility access for all.
The collaboration is expected to focus on building a next-generation autonomous vehicle platform by leveraging Toyota’s deep automotive expertise and Waymo’s industry-leading autonomous driving capabilities.
Both firms will also examine how Waymo’s autonomous driver can be integrated into Toyota’s personally owned vehicles (POVs), a move that could reshape the future of private mobility.
Toyota has been a long-standing advocate for reducing traffic accidents through its integrated approach combining people, vehicles, and infrastructure.
Its Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) suite of technologies has already made advanced driver assistance widely accessible, and this potential partnership marks the next step in expanding those safety benefits through automation.
Waymo, which operates the largest commercial autonomous ride-hailing service in the U.S., currently delivers more than 250,000 trips per week across cities including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Austin.
Its vehicles have logged millions of miles and have demonstrated an 81% reduction in injury-causing crashes compared to human-driven vehicles in its operating areas.
Hiroki Nakajima, Member of the Board and Executive Vice President of Toyota Motor Corporation, said: “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.”
Tekedra Mawakana, co-CEO at Waymo, added: “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.”
As discussions evolve, the collaboration is poised to help reshape both personal and commercial transport with a strong emphasis on safety, accessibility, and future-forward innovation.