US robotaxi firm Waymo plans to launch in Germany
The firm, whose robotaxis currently operate in several US cities, is also planning to expand to London and Tokyo this year.
Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, announced on Tuesday its plan to launch robotaxi services in Munich, Germany, marking the US group's initial foray into the EU market. The company will commence mapping Munich's streets and conducting tests with specialized drivers in the coming weeks, with commercial ride-hailing set to commence for the public at the end of 2027.
Waymo currently operates robotaxi services in various US cities. The company's co-chief executive, Tekedra Mawakana, expressed excitement about Munich's status as a global hub for mobility and engineering, stating it represents a significant milestone in Waymo's global expansion. Bavaria's state government minister, Florian Herrmann, welcomed the news, highlighting autonomous driving as a crucial technology for the future of mobility and the transformation of the automotive industry.
Bavaria, home to BMW and numerous auto suppliers, has long been a central hub for Germany's car industry, currently facing a crisis due to competition from China, the transition to electric vehicles, and weak demand. Waymo's move to Europe follows similar trials conducted by other firms, with robotaxi services seeing slower adoption in Europe compared to the US and China.
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- US robotaxi firm Waymo plans to launch in Germany freemalaysiatoday.com
