Waymo establishes Spanish subsidiary to prepare for robotaxi deployment

Google's autonomous driving unit, Waymo, has established a new subsidiary in Madrid named Waymo Iberia SL. This move is part of a broader European expansion strategy that includes entities in France and the Netherlands. The company aims to prepare for the deployment of robotaxis in Spain, potentially including services in Portugal.

As Waymo prepares for entry, Uber is also expected to conduct autonomous vehicle testing in Madrid before the end of the year, pending approval from the Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT).

The potential arrival of autonomous technology has prompted reactions from the transport sector. Unauto VTC, the employer association for private hire vehicles, has expressed optimism regarding the innovation but raised concerns about job security and the need for a regulatory framework. The association suggests a system where existing VTC authorizations could be exchanged for autonomous vehicle permits to prevent an artificial increase in the total number of vehicles on the road.