Waymo is rebranding its Zeekr robotaxi

Waymo is rebranding its Zeekr RT robotaxi as the Ojai, named after a California village known for its arts and wellness focus. This change comes as the vehicle, developed in partnership with Chinese automaker Zeekr, prepares to join Waymo’s commercial fleet. The rebranding aims to improve U.S. market familiarity, as the Zeekr name is relatively unknown domestically and may impact rider experience. The Ojai robotaxi will feature a personalized greeting (“Oh hi”) for passengers, reflecting the new name’s pronunciation. The Ojai has undergone several years of development and testing in cities like Phoenix and San Francisco, evolving from a concept vehicle without a steering wheel to a refined model showcased at CES 2026 that includes one. It retains its advanced sensor suite—13 cameras, four lidar units, six radar sensors, and external audio receivers—though its paint color has shifted from a blueish tint to a more silver hue. Currently, Waymo employees and their acquaintances