US Pushes Eased AV Regulations as Waymo-Geely Launches Ojai Robotaxi
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy urged streamlined regulations to allow autonomous vehicles without steering wheels or pedals and cited national security risks from Chinese competitors. Alphabet’s Waymo has partnered with Geely’s Zeekr to launch the 'Ojai' robotaxi in the US, benefiting from potential easing of safety rules.
1. Federal Support for Domestic AV Technology
During the Autonomous Vehicle Safety Forum, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized prioritizing American-developed self-driving technology, calling competition from Chinese firms a national security, economic and safety threat.
2. Waymo-Geely 'Ojai' Robotaxi Partnership
Alphabet’s Waymo has teamed with Geely’s Zeekr to develop and deploy the Ojai robotaxi in US markets, marking a significant cross-border collaboration that could accelerate commercial rollout of driverless fleets.
3. Proposals for Regulatory Overhaul
Duffy proposed streamlining federal rules by eliminating requirements for steering wheels, gas pedals and windshield wipers on autonomous vehicles, aiming to lower production costs and expand exemptions from 2,500 to potentially 90,000 vehicles over 12 months.
4. Legislative and Industry Context
Rep. John Moolenar urged heightened scrutiny of Chinese investments in the US automotive sector while a GOP-led committee considered bills to ease AV safety standards, and Tesla’s lead Robotaxi software designer Thomas Dmytryk departed after 11 years.