Waymo is rebranding its Zeekr robotaxi

Waymo has spent the previous three years refining and testing a minivan-like car made by Chinese language automaker Zeekr. And now, before this robotaxi joins Waymo’s official industrial fleet, it’s getting a brand new title, the firm informed TechCrunch.

The Zeekr RT robotaxi will now be named Ojai (pronounced “oh-hi”) — after the village in the Topatopa Mountains above Los Angeles that is identified for its arts neighborhood and focus on wellness.

Waymo’s official rationalization, per spokesperson Chris Bonelli, is that the firm decided the U.S. public isn’t acquainted with the Zeekr model. That branding could even carry by means of to the rider expertise. Apparently, when clients finally get into the Ojai, the robotaxi will greet them with an “Oh hello” and their title. Cute.

After all, in the U.S. it would not harm to ditch the title of a Chinese language automaker both.

For these unfamiliar, Waymo first struck a partnership with Geely Holding Group-owned Zeekr in 2021. Waymo confirmed off an idea of a purpose-built robotaxi the following 12 months at a splashy occasion in Los Angeles. The prototype was primarily based on a model of Zeekr’s SEA-M structure designed for “future mobility merchandise” like robotaxis and logistics autos.

Notably, the prototype didn’t have a steering wheel. However the Ojai one, which was proven off at CES 2026, does.

The Zeekr RT (now Ojai) has gone by means of some fine-tuning over the years because it has gone by means of growth and testing in cities like Phoenix and San Francisco. Final 12 months at CES, Waymo gave the robotaxi the now-retired title of Zeekr RT and showcased a few of its {hardware}, together with 13 cameras, 4 lidar, six radar, an array of external audio receivers, and the tiniest sensor wipers you’ve ever seen.

That {hardware} suite is the similar. However the paint shade has been tweaked, in accordance to the firm. Waymo informed TechCrunch the paint shade, which had a blueish tint, is now extra silver.

All of those ultimate tweaks have occurred forward of Ojai’s imminent launch into industrial service. Waymo staff, and their household and associates, are now in a position to hail the Zeekr van in San Francisco and Phoenix — usually one among the final steps before it turns into out there to the public.

Waymo is in the midst of a fast enlargement. The corporate, which affords a industrial robotaxi service in Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco, plans to launch in a dozen extra cities over the subsequent 12 months. These cities embody Denver, Las Vegas, and London.