Robotics company Waymo is rebranding a robotaxi developed with Chinese automaker Zeekr as it prepares the vehicle for commercial service.

The minivan-like vehicle, previously called the Zeekr RT, will now be named Ojai. The company said the change comes after three years of testing and refinement.

Waymo said the new name is intended to better resonate with U.S. riders. The company determined that the Zeekr brand is not widely recognized by the American public.

The Ojai name references a village in the Topatopa Mountains above Los Angeles. The area is known for its arts community and wellness focus.

Waymo spokesperson Chris Bonelli said the branding could extend into the rider experience. The vehicle is expected to greet passengers with “Oh hi” and their name when a trip begins.

Waymo first partnered with Zeekr in 2021. Zeekr is owned by Geely Holding Group.

In 2022, Waymo unveiled a concept for a purpose-built robotaxi at an event in Los Angeles. The prototype was based on Zeekr’s SEA-M architecture, designed for autonomous and logistics vehicles.

That early prototype did not include a steering wheel. The version shown at CES 2026 does include one.

The vehicle has been tested in cities including Phoenix and San Francisco. Waymo said the hardware suite remains unchanged.

The system includes 13 cameras, four lidar units, six radar units, external audio receivers, and small sensor wipers. The exterior paint color has shifted from a bluish tint to a more silver finish.

The Ojai is nearing commercial launch. Waymo employees and their family and friends can now hail the vehicle in Phoenix and San Francisco.

Waymo currently operates commercial robotaxi services in Atlanta, Austin, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and San Francisco. The company plans to launch in about a dozen more cities next year, including Denver, Las Vegas, and London.