Waymo's Robotaxi Rebrand: What Changed with Zeekr and the Rise of "Ojai"?
Waymo, a leading force in autonomous vehicle technology, has been diligently refining its robotaxi service for the past three years, utilizing a vehicle originally manufactured by Chinese automaker Zeekr. As the company prepares to integrate this robotaxi into its official commercial fleet, a significant change has occurred: a complete rebrand. The Zeekr RT robotaxi is now known as “Ojai” (pronounced “oh-hi”), a name inspired by the artistic and wellness-focused village nestled in the Topatopa Mountains above Los Angeles. This shift isn't merely cosmetic; it reflects a strategic move to enhance brand recognition and appeal to the U.S. market. This article delves into the reasons behind the rebrand, the evolution of the vehicle, and Waymo’s ambitious expansion plans, providing a comprehensive overview of this pivotal moment in the robotaxi revolution.
Why the Name Change? Addressing Brand Recognition and Perception
Waymo’s decision to rebrand the Zeekr RT as Ojai stems primarily from concerns about U.S. public familiarity with the Zeekr brand. According to Waymo spokesperson Chris Bonelli, the company determined that the Zeekr name lacked resonance with potential riders. This is a crucial consideration as Waymo aims to build trust and widespread adoption of its robotaxi service. A less recognizable brand could potentially hinder consumer confidence.
The rebranding extends beyond simply changing the vehicle’s name. Waymo plans to integrate the “Ojai” identity into the rider experience itself. Upon entering the robotaxi, passengers will be greeted with a friendly “Oh hi” followed by their name, creating a personalized and welcoming interaction. This subtle touch aims to foster a positive association with the service and differentiate it from traditional ride-hailing options.
Furthermore, in the current geopolitical climate, distancing the robotaxi from a Chinese automaker might be a prudent move. While the underlying technology and manufacturing partnership remain intact, the rebrand allows Waymo to present a distinctly American face to its customers.
The Partnership with Zeekr: A Foundation for Innovation
The collaboration between Waymo and Zeekr began in 2021, with Geely Holding Group-owned Zeekr providing the base vehicle for Waymo’s autonomous driving system. In 2022, Waymo unveiled a concept of a purpose-built robotaxi at a high-profile event in Los Angeles. This prototype was built upon Zeekr’s SEA-M architecture, specifically designed for “future mobility products” such as robotaxis and logistics vehicles. The SEA-M platform offered a flexible and scalable foundation for integrating Waymo’s advanced sensor suite and software.
Initially, the prototype showcased a radical design, notably lacking a traditional steering wheel. However, the final Ojai model, demonstrated at CES 2026, incorporates a steering wheel, likely as a safety measure and to comply with current regulations. This highlights the iterative development process and the importance of adapting to evolving safety standards.
Evolution of the Robotaxi: From Zeekr RT to Ojai
The Zeekr RT (now Ojai) has undergone significant refinement and rigorous testing in cities like Phoenix and San Francisco over the past few years. At CES last year, Waymo showcased the robotaxi under its previous name, Zeekr RT, and detailed its impressive hardware specifications. This included:
- 13 Cameras: Providing a 360-degree view of the vehicle’s surroundings.
- Four Lidar Sensors: Creating a high-resolution 3D map of the environment.
- Six Radar Sensors: Detecting objects in various weather conditions.
- An Array of External Audio Receivers: Enhancing situational awareness.
- Tiny Sensor Wipers: Ensuring clear visibility for the sensors.
Importantly, the core hardware suite remains unchanged in the Ojai model. However, Waymo has made a subtle aesthetic adjustment: the paint color has been tweaked from a bluish tint to a more sophisticated silver finish. This seemingly minor change reflects Waymo’s attention to detail and commitment to creating a visually appealing product.
Imminent Launch and Expansion Plans
With the rebranding complete and final tweaks implemented, the Ojai is on the verge of commercial launch. Waymo employees, along with their families and friends, are currently able to hail the Ojai vans in San Francisco and Phoenix. This limited rollout serves as a final testing phase before the service becomes available to the general public. This "soft launch" allows Waymo to gather real-world data and address any remaining issues before a wider release.
Waymo is aggressively expanding its robotaxi service across the United States and beyond. Currently operating in Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco, the company plans to launch in a dozen additional cities within the next year. Key target cities include:
- Denver
- Las Vegas
- London
This ambitious expansion strategy underscores Waymo’s confidence in its technology and its vision for the future of transportation. The company is investing heavily in infrastructure and partnerships to support this growth, positioning itself as a leader in the rapidly evolving autonomous vehicle market.
The Competitive Landscape: Waymo vs. the Field
Waymo isn't operating in a vacuum. Several other companies are vying for dominance in the robotaxi space, including Cruise, Motional, and AutoX. Each company employs different approaches to autonomous driving technology and business models. Waymo’s strength lies in its extensive testing and development, coupled with its strategic partnership with Zeekr. However, competitors are making significant strides, and the race to commercialize fully autonomous vehicles is far from over.
Regulatory Hurdles and Public Perception
Despite the technological advancements, significant regulatory hurdles remain. Autonomous vehicle regulations vary widely by state and country, creating a complex landscape for companies like Waymo. Furthermore, public perception of self-driving cars remains mixed, with concerns about safety and reliability. Addressing these concerns through transparency, rigorous testing, and proactive communication will be crucial for gaining public trust and accelerating adoption.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Robotaxis
The rebranding of the Zeekr RT to Ojai marks a significant milestone in Waymo’s journey towards commercializing fully autonomous transportation. The company’s commitment to innovation, coupled with its ambitious expansion plans, positions it as a frontrunner in the robotaxi revolution. As the technology matures and regulatory frameworks evolve, robotaxis have the potential to transform urban mobility, offering a safer, more efficient, and more sustainable transportation solution. The success of Ojai, and Waymo’s broader strategy, will undoubtedly shape the future of how we move.
Stay tuned to GearTech for continued coverage of Waymo and the evolving autonomous vehicle landscape.