Waymo launching ‘pilot program’ with Walmart

Google spinoff Waymo is launching a pilot program with Walmart later this week that will allow customers to use its self-driving car service to pick up groceries at Walmart stores.

Waymo said in a blog post on Wednesday that the program, which will be tested in Phoenix starting later this week, will help make shopping more convenient.

Customers will also receive savings on their groceries when they are ordered on Walmart.com, but specific details weren’t provided.

In addition, Waymo is expanding existing partnerships with AutoNation and Avis Budget Group. AutoNation will now offer customers a Waymo, instead of a loaner car, when their personal vehicles are being serviced. Avis will soon provide Waymos to its Phoenix customers to help them pick up or drop off their rental cars.

Waymo noted that, “These businesses are national and what we learn from these programs will give us a network of partners when we launch in new cities down the road.”