Waymo Buys Apple’s 5,500-Acre Arizona Testing Facility for $220 Million
AAPL•Waymo purchased the 5,500-acre Arizona autonomous vehicle testing facility from Apple’s shell company Route 14 for $220 million, double the $125 million Apple paid in 2021. The site features a 115-acre city course, a 4-mile oval track and specialized freeway lanes to support Waymo’s 4,000-vehicle fleet expansion.
1. Acquisition Details
On June 5, Waymo acquired the 5,500-acre Arizona autonomous vehicle proving ground from Route 14 Investment Partners LLC, a shell company tied to Apple, for $220 million. The purchase more than doubles Apple’s 2021 outlay of $125 million for the same property.
2. Facility Features
The site comprises a 115-acre mock city course, a 35-acre vehicle dynamics area, a 4-mile oval track and purpose-built freeway lanes. Its varied road surfaces and high-speed sections enable comprehensive testing of self-driving systems under controlled conditions.
3. Apple’s Project Titan Use
Apple initially bought and leased the facility to test prototype vehicles under Project Titan, investing billions before shelving the program in early 2024. The proving ground had previously served Fiat Chrysler for hot-weather vehicle testing.
4. Waymo Expansion Plans
Waymo will leverage the Arizona course for rider-only trials, motion control tests and operational training, bolstering its existing network of California and Ohio sites. The acquisition underpins Waymo’s goal to scale its nearly 4,000-vehicle robotaxi fleet and expand into new U.S. markets.
