Despite strict regulations and expensive technology, Vemo has grown slowly but steadily in the United States over the years. Now, it’s ramping up partnerships with ride-hailing platforms and fleet operators at a time when Tesla is rolling out its long-promised robotaxi service in the country.
Earlier this year, Waymo began testing its vehicles driven by human drivers in collaboration with Japanese taxi firm Nihon Kotsu and Go, which runs a mobile app for hailing taxi rides.
In London, Waymo said it will collaborate with vehicle financing firm Move as it prepares for the rollout, and is actively engaging with local and national regulators to secure the necessary approvals.
A Vemo spokesperson said the Vemo vehicles are now on their way to London, where safety drivers will begin testing the vehicles before fully autonomous operation begins next year.
Waymo currently makes more than 250,000 paid trips per week with approximately 1,1500 vehicles in US cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Arizona, Atlanta, Georgia and Austin, Texas.
Waymo has partnered with Move to manage its fleet operations, facilities and charging infrastructure in Phoenix and next year in Miami, Florida.
Ride-hailing firm Uber, which offers Waymo vehicles on its app in Atlanta and Austin, announced in June that it would trial fully driverless rides in the UK from spring 2026 through a partnership with AI startup View.
Commercialization of autonomous vehicles has proven difficult for several companies, including General Motors Cruises, due to collisions, recalls and federal investigations.
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