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Waymo has confirmed that its partnership with Chinese-owned automaker Zeekr will continue, despite new U.S. regulations that effectively ban Chinese and Russian vehicle technology from American roads. The Biden administration's outgoing rule, established to protect U.S. vehicles from foreign interference, will phase in prohibitions on connected vehicle technologies starting in 2027 and for hardware in 2029.
Waymo's spokesperson, Ethan Teicher, stated that the company does not foresee any impact on its use of the Zeekr platform. The self-driving tech developer argued that the vehicles received from Geely, Zeekr's parent company, are "base vehicles" with their telematics systems removed. Waymo's American personnel will install their self-driving technology after the vehicles arrive in the country.
Preproduction models of the Zeekr RT robotaxis are already being tested in San Francisco and Phoenix, with a production version expected to launch later this year. While Waymo asserts that it remains on track with its plans, there are concerns about potential tariffs imposed by the U.S. on Chinese electric vehicles, which could affect their operations.
Waymo has been actively expanding its self-driving ride-hailing service utilizing modified Jaguar I-Pace vehicles across several U.S. cities, with aims to further grow its fleet with models from Hyundai later this year. The company is keeping a close watch on tariff developments as it moves forward with its strategies.