On January 7, 2026 (local time), Waymo made an announcement that its new - generation self - driving taxis would be officially christened "Ojai". This particular model is constructed by Zeekr utilizing the SEA - M architecture. Originally, it was known as the "Zeekr RT". The decision to rename it stemmed from the fact that the "Zeekr" brand has relatively low recognition among the American public. Waymo aims to embrace a more localized naming strategy. The name "Ojai" is inspired by a town with the same name located in California. In the future, when passengers board the vehicle, it will greet them with a friendly "Oh, hi" followed by their name. The partnership between Waymo and Zeekr kicked off in 2021. The initial concept car that was unveiled did not come equipped with a steering wheel. However, the mass - produced version presented at CES 2026 has integrated a steering wheel into its design. At present, the Ojai has undergone rigorous road testing in cities like Phoenix and San Francisco. It is now in the final stages of preparation before its formal entry into commercial operation.