Autonomous driving technogy developer Waymo has announced it will begin offering robotaxi services in the Spanish capital of Madrid using a fleet of autonomous Jaguar I-Pace SUVs.
It says it aims to be able to welcome its first commercial services to customers in 2027, according to an Oct. 20 press release.
This move adds a fifth Waymo development program outside the U.S., with Madrid joining Tokyo, London, Munich and Toronto as future launch cities for its Waymo One its autonomous ride-hailing service.
The company will begin introducing its Jaguar robotaxi, first used by Waymo back in 2018, vehicles to the streets of Madrid within “the coming days,” its statement added.
Waymo says it will be “taking a methodical, phased, safety-first approach” to the new service introduction beginning with human driven tests ahead of journeys with “trained autonomous specialists behind the wheel,” the company added.
Waymo said it was engaging with national, regional and local authorities in Spain, as well as getting emergency services familiar with all aspects of its technology.
“Madrid is an incredible capital of innovation and an integral part of our growing global presence,” said Waymo’s co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana in a company statement. “We share the region’s commitment to safer, more accessible and zero-emission mobility, and we look forward to serving as a collaborative partner in achieving those goals,” she added.
