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Waymo Begins Munich Self-Driving Car Tests Before Robotaxi Launch

8/26/2026

30 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Waymo announced testing self-driving cars in Munich, Germany, on Aug. 25, 2026.
Waymo will manually map streets and run tests with safety drivers before full autonomy.
Waymo aims to launch a public robotaxi service in Munich by late 2027.
Waymo is negotiating permits with the KBA, state and local German officials.
Co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana called Munich a world-class mobility hub and expansion milestone.

History

Historical Context

Google began testing autonomous cars in 2009, earning Nevada’s first self-driving license in May 2012 and a California DMV driver-less permit in October 2018. After rebranding as Waymo in 2016 and logging over 2 million miles by 2016, the firm now seeks German KBA and Munich approval for 2026 robotaxi trials, echoing its early regulatory collaborations.

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Story summary

Waymo announced testing self-driving cars in Munich, Germany, on Aug. 25, 2026.
Waymo will manually map streets and run tests with safety drivers before full autonomy.
Waymo aims to launch a public robotaxi service in Munich by late 2027.
Waymo is negotiating permits with the KBA, state and local German officials.
Co-CEO Tekedra Mawakana called Munich a world-class mobility hub and expansion milestone.

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