Waymo Rebrands Zeekr Robotaxi as Ojai Ahead of Commercial Launch

Waymo has spent the last three years developing and testing a minivan-style robotaxi built by Chinese automaker Zeekr. Now, as the vehicle prepares to enter Waymo's commercial fleet, it is getting a new name, the company confirmed.

Previously known as the Zeekr RT, the robotaxi will now be called Ojai (pronounced "oh-hi"), a reference to the village in the Topatopa Mountains above Los Angeles, which is known for its arts scene and emphasis on wellness.

According to Waymo spokesperson Chris Bonelli, the rebrand reflects the company's view that the Zeekr name is unfamiliar to most U.S. riders. The new branding may extend to the customer experience as well—when passengers enter the vehicle, the robotaxi is expected to greet them with "Oh hi," followed by their name.

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

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

The early prototype notably lacked a steering wheel. The production-ready version — shown publicly at CES 2026 — does include one.

During development, the vehicle has undergone refinement and real-world testing in cities such as Phoenix and San Francisco. At CES last year, Waymo formally introduced the Zeekr RT name and highlighted its sensor 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 is the exterior finish. Waymo said the paint colour has shifted from a bluish tone to a more neutral silver.

These final adjustments come as the Ojai nears commercial deployment. Waymo employees, along with their friends and families, can no longer hail a vehicle in San Francisco and Phoenix, a step that typically precedes broader public availability.

The rebranded robotaxi arrives as Waymo continues to expand rapidly. The company currently operates commercial autonomous ride-hailing services in Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco. It plans to launch in around a dozen additional cities over the next year. Upcoming markets include Denver, Las Vegas, and London.