Waymo robotaxi US testing by end of 2023

The collaboration between Waymo and Geely, which has been in progress for a couple of years, aims to bring robotaxis to America's streets.

• Robotaxis on the Horizon: A recent job post on LinkedIn has unveiled that Zeekr, Geely's electric vehicle brand, is hiring a logistics manager in the US. This individual gets to work on a suite of interesting projects, one of which involves the Waymo-Zeekr alliance.

• Maintenance Management: It reveals that Zeekr is also looking for a manager to oversee service operations and repair planning on American soil. This hints at the need for maintaining these advanced robotaxis.

• Robotic Taxi Prototype: Zeekr has confirmed that the robotaxi project is on track. The first test vehicles are set to meet Waymo by the end of the year in the US.

• Future Launch: The timeline for the commercial launch of the Waymo-Zeekr robotaxis remains confidential. However, the ongoing hiring indicates that progress is steady, in spite of recent global disruptions.

• Logistics and Distribution: The newly hired logistics manager will report to Zeekr’s U.S. General Manager, Ron Oppat, a Ford veteran. Responsibilities include managing a team to construct a distribution network for Zeekr's finished vehicles and spare parts, ensuring efficient operations and minimal vehicle repair downtimes.

• Team Expansion: Zeekr has plans for a gradual team expansion — from a team of 8-10 people this year to approximately 25 next year, excluding third-party technicians.

Despite the tensions between US and China that have affected partnerships like Ford’s $3.5B plan with Chinese battery titan, CATL, to build a factory in Michigan, the hope for the robotaxi dream remains.