Waymo Rolls Out New Ojai Robotaxis to Strengthen U.S. Lead

• The new Ojai robotaxis use base vehicles from Chinese automaker Geely's Zeekr subsidiary, raising concerns from GOP lawmakers, though Waymo says it will not share autonomous driving technology, sensor data, or rider information with the Chinese manufacturer.
• Alphabet's 'Other Bets' segment, which includes Waymo, reported $7.51 billion in losses in 2025, up from $4.44 billion in 2024, though Waymo recently closed a $16 billion funding round valuing the company at $126 billion.
• The sixth-generation system features upgraded lidar and radar, a 17-megapixel imager requiring fewer cameras, and improved algorithms for rain and snow performance, with integrated cleaning systems to maintain visibility in inclement weather.

Waymo Deploys Next-Generation Ojai Robotaxis to Strengthen Market Position

Key Developments:

Alphabet-owned Waymo announced Thursday the deployment of its sixth-generation autonomous driving system on new Ojai robotaxis, initially serving employees and guests in San Francisco and Los Angeles. The vehicles use base models from Chinese automaker Geely's subsidiary Zeekr, with Waymo's proprietary technology installed in the U.S.

Technical and Cost Improvements:

The sixth-generation Waymo Driver features more cost-effective components, enhanced weather navigation capabilities, and improved sensor systems including upgraded lidar, radar, and 17-megapixel cameras. These advances enable better performance in harsh weather conditions—critical for planned northeastern market expansion. Fewer cameras are needed due to technological improvements, and integrated cleaning systems maintain visibility in rain and snow.

Market Position and Expansion:

Waymo currently operates in six U.S. markets (Austin, San Francisco Bay Area, Phoenix, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Miami) with plans to expand to 10 additional cities in 2026, including Dallas, Denver, Detroit, and Washington. The company will launch its first international service in London later this year. Competitors like Amazon-owned Zoox remain in testing phases without widespread commercial operations.

Financial and Competitive Landscape:

Waymo recently closed a $16 billion funding round led by Alphabet, valuing the company at $126 billion. However, Alphabet's "Other Bets" segment reported $7.51 billion in losses for 2025, up from $4.44 billion in 2024. The global driverless ride-hailing market could exceed $25 billion by 2030, according to Goldman Sachs.

Political Concerns:

GOP lawmakers raised concerns about Waymo's use of Chinese-manufactured vehicles, though the company maintains it shares no autonomous driving technology, sensor data, or rider information with Zeekr.