Waymo Rebrands Its Zeekr Robotaxi Ahead of Commercial Launch

Waymo is giving its next-generation robotaxi a new identity as it prepares for commercial deployment. After three years of testing and refinement, the minivan-style autonomous vehicle developed with Chinese automaker Zeekr is being rebranded, the company confirmed.

Previously known as the Zeekr RT, the vehicle will now be called Ojai (pronounced "oh-hi"). The village of Ojai inspired the name of the Topatopa Mountains near Los Angeles, a community known for its arts, culture, and emphasis on wellness.

According to Waymo spokesperson Chris Bonelli, the decision was driven in part by brand recognition. Waymo determined that most U.S. consumers are unfamiliar with the Zeekr name, prompting the company to adopt a more accessible identity for riders. The rebrand may even extend to the in-car experience: when passengers board the vehicle, the robotaxi is expected to greet them with an "Oh hi," followed by their name.

Dropping the Chinese automaker's branding may also be strategically advantageous in the U.S. market.

Waymo first partnered with Geely Holding Group–owned Zeekr in 2021. The company unveiled an early concept of a purpose-built robotaxi the following year at an event in Los Angeles. That prototype was based on Zeekr's SEA-M architecture, a platform designed for future mobility applications, including autonomous vehicles and logistics services.

The original concept notably lacked a steering wheel. However, the production-ready version, shown publicly at CES 2026, includes one.

Throughout development, the vehicle has undergone extensive testing and refinement in cities such as Phoenix and San Francisco. At CES last year, Waymo officially introduced the Zeekr RT and showcased its hardware suite, which includes 13 cameras, four lidar units, six radar sensors, external audio receivers, and miniature sensor wipers.

That hardware configuration remains unchanged. One visible update, however, is the exterior finish. Waymo said the paint colour has shifted from a bluish tone to a more neutral silver.

These adjustments come as the Ojai approaches full commercial rollout. Waymo employees — along with their friends and family — can now hail a vehicle in San Francisco and Phoenix, a phase that typically precedes public availability.

The rebranded robotaxi joins Waymo during a period of rapid growth. The company currently operates commercial autonomous ride-hailing services in Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco. It plans to expand into a dozen additional cities over the next year. Upcoming markets include Denver, Las Vegas, and London.