Self-driving cars are coming to Europe. Waymo, the autonomous vehicle subsidiary of Google parent Alphabet, announced it will launch commercial robotaxi services in Munich by the end of 2027, making it the company’s first venture into the European Union.
The rollout begins immediately. In the coming weeks, Waymo will start mapping Munich’s streets and conducting tests with human safety drivers at the wheel. Only after extensive preparation will the public be able to hail rides in vehicles without anyone behind the wheel.
Why Munich? The Bavarian capital is already a global hub for automotive engineering, home to BMW and a thriving ecosystem of mobility startups. Waymo co-chief executive Tekedra Mawakana described the city as a natural fit for the company’s global expansion, emphasizing that earning community trust remains the top priority.
Florian Herrmann, a Bavarian state minister, welcomed the news enthusiastically. He said Bavaria is determined to maintain its pioneering role as an international leader in autonomous driving, backed by strong manufacturers, cutting-edge research, and a robust AI ecosystem.
The expansion doesn’t stop there. Waymo is also planning launches in London and Tokyo this year, signaling an aggressive push beyond its current US operations in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and other American cities.
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