Martha Stewart has recently teamed up with Waymo, the leading company in autonomous driving technology, to promote their newest creation, the Ojai vehicle. The 85-year-old lifestyle mogul expressed her admiration for self-driving cars and their ability to integrate convenience, comfort, and productivity into travel. In a recent conversation with PEOPLE, Stewart elaborated on how the Ojai serves as an ideal solution for busy individuals who need to maximise their time, even while on the move.
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Stewart described the Ojai as “a home away from home,” highlighting its spacious interior and advanced features designed for comfort and user experience. The self-driving vehicle includes ample space for passengers to work, create, or relax, making it particularly suitable for someone like Stewart, who often balances work commitments with her life on the go. “I use my time in any vehicle to do work,” she noted, appreciating that Waymo allows her to focus on tasks without the stress of driving.
Her essentials for a ride are uncomplicated but crucial: “I have to have a mode of communication, my bottle of ice-cold water, a seatbelt and good visibility.” Such a minimalist approach aligns with the comfortable yet functional ethos that Stewart embodies in her professional life.
Stewart elaborated on the appeal of the Ojai, stating, “There’s privacy, there’s no driver, and there’s nobody listening to you.” She emphasised that riders can have virtual meetings or make important phone calls without distractions, effectively transforming the vehicle into an extension of their workspace. The Ojai, according to Stewart, can be whatever the passenger wants it to be — an office, a relaxation space, or even a makeshift home.
To celebrate the Ojai’s debut, which welcomed its first set of public riders earlier this May, Stewart is showcasing the vehicle’s many innovative features through an engaging video series. The Ojai is equipped with striking “elevator-like doors” and three large LED screens that allow passengers to personalise the environment, including temperature settings and music choices, powered by Google’s AI assistant, Gemini.
The Ojai is currently available for passengers in cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Phoenix through the Waymo app. Stewart mentioned her enthusiasm for the AI assistant capabilities, explaining how it can enhance the riding experience by allowing her to catch up on films or stay updated on current events.
“I just like the roominess,” she remarked, voicing her distaste for cramped taxi rides that come with barriers between the front and back seats. The spaciousness of the Ojai, paired with its big windows, creates a more inviting and pleasant atmosphere for riders, making it appealing for longer journeys.
Stewart’s enthusiasm for this innovative self-driving vehicle is evident: she proclaimed her adoration for the Ojai and expressed excitement about the future of autonomous travel. Describing it as “a very nice, large taxi,” she highlighted the comfort it offers, reinforcing the idea that such technology is indeed the future.
As the landscape of transportation evolves, Stewart acknowledges that autonomous vehicles are gradually becoming a standard part of modern life. With her partnership with Waymo, the seasoned lifestyle expert is poised to influence public perception and acceptance of self-driving technology, as she champions the innovative features the Ojai provides.
Through her collaboration, Martha Stewart stands as a testament to how autonomous vehicles can redefine the way we commute, blending luxury, privacy, and productivity into the driving experience. As the realms of lifestyle and technology intersect, Stewart’s vision points towards a future where self-driving cars enhance our daily lives, making travel not just a necessity, but a tailored experience.