Waymo, Avis Plan Dallas Robotaxi Launch by 2026

Waymo, Alphabet Inc.’s autonomous vehicle division, is set to launch a robotaxi service in Dallas in 2026 through a multiyear partnership with Avis Budget Group, marking a strategic expansion beyond its existing collaborations with Uber. Avis will serve as the exclusive fleet management provider, handling maintenance, charging, vehicle readiness, and depot operations, while customers will book rides via Waymo’s own app. This partnership reflects a broader shift in the autonomous mobility sector, positioning Avis as a key infrastructure provider and enabling Waymo to focus on advancing its autonomous driving technology. The Dallas rollout will use Jaguar I-PACE electric vehicles equipped with Waymo's Level 4 autonomous system and aims to operate 24/7 across downtown and suburban areas. The move intensifies competition with rivals like Tesla, Uber, and Lyft, all aiming to capture large urban markets with robotaxi services. Additionally, the partnership has generated positive market sentiment, potentially boosting Alphabet (GOOGL) and Avis (CAR) stock performance due to the growing adoption of AI-driven mobility solutions.