Waymo, Google's autonomous vehicle division, receives $16 billion for its ambitious international expansion. London and Tokyo are set as the first targets for robotaxi services outside the United States.
Leap Across the Atlantic and Pacific
After years of development in California cities, Waymo is venturing into complex international markets:
- London: Challenge of left-hand traffic and narrow streets
- Tokyo: Complex urban infrastructure and cultural differences
- Regulation: Various international approval processes
Technology Meets Regulatory Reality
The expansion requires not only technical adaptations of the autonomous systems to local traffic conditions, but also intensive collaboration with regulatory authorities in both cities.
London and Tokyo offer ideal test markets: Both cities have high population density, established public transportation systems, and progressive attitudes toward new mobility technologies. Success here could pave the way for further European and Asian markets.
Source: TechCrunch 02/02/2026