Autonomous rides provider Waymo has announced plans to start operating services in Munich from next year – its first destination in continental Europe.
Waymo, which is owned by Google’s parent company Alphabet, registered a German subsidiary in Munich earlier this year as a first step to launching in Germany.
The company said it would start “laying the groundwork” in Munich in the coming months with human drivers using its cars to digitally map the city. Waymo plans to launch its public ride-hailing robotaxis in the Bavarian capital “towards the end” of 2027.
“Munich is a world-class hub for mobility and engineering, and becoming part of this city marks an important milestone in our global expansion,” said Waymo’s co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana.
“As we prepare to launch, earning the community's trust is our top priority. We look forward to investing in local fleet operations, creating high-skilled jobs, and delivering a safe, reliable service for residents and visitors alike.”
Munich will be Waymo’s first EU city, although the company is planning to launch services in London by the end of 2026, where it will compete with a partnership between Uber and Wayve. Although media reports in the UK suggest that these launches could be delayed into next year.
Florian Herrmann, head of the Bavarian State Chancellery, added: “The fact that Waymo has chosen Munich to enter the German market and establish its autonomous ride-hailing service underscores Bavaria’s reputation as a leading high-tech location.
“Now we need to move quickly from testing to real-world deployment. To achieve this, we will continue to improve the framework conditions, cut red tape and remove regulatory barriers.”