Waymo launches Chinese-made Ojai minivan robotaxi for commercial rides

Waymo has unveiled its newest robotaxi, the Ojai minivan, which is manufactured in China and now open to passengers. The launch follows years of development and testing, though Waymo faces a difficult operating environment. The vehicle is designed with profitability in mind.

Waymo, the autonomous vehicle subsidiary of Alphabet, has officially launched its latest robotaxi model — a minivan called the Ojai — and is now accepting riders. Unlike its previous vehicles, the Ojai is manufactured in China, a decision that reflects both cost considerations and the global supply chain realities of electric vehicle production.

Built for the bottom line

The Ojai minivan has been designed explicitly with commercial viability in mind, as Waymo looks to move beyond years of testing and toward a sustainable business model. The vehicle offers more passenger space than previous robotaxi models, potentially allowing Waymo to serve more riders per trip and improve per-vehicle revenue.

The launch comes after a prolonged development and testing period, during which Waymo has expanded its driverless ride-hailing service across several US cities including San Francisco, Phoenix, and Los Angeles. However, the company is navigating a challenging moment — increased scrutiny from regulators, competitive pressure from rivals, and the broader financial pressures facing autonomous vehicle companies.

Chinese manufacturing raises questions

The decision to manufacture the Ojai in China is notable and may attract attention given the current geopolitical climate surrounding Chinese-made technology and vehicles in the United States. Waymo has not yet detailed the full extent of its Chinese manufacturing partnerships, but the move underscores how even leading American tech companies are turning to China's advanced EV manufacturing infrastructure to scale production.

For now, Waymo is pushing forward with commercial expansion, betting that the Ojai's larger capacity and lower production costs will help make its robotaxi service financially sustainable for the long term.