Uber and Chinese autonomous vehicle company Pony.ai announced plans to deploy 2,000 self-driving taxis across multiple European cities, marking a significant expansion of their partnership. The initiative extends beyond the companies’ initial Croatian launch in Zagreb to encompass four additional European locations, though specific cities and deployment timelines remain undisclosed.
Under their joint-deployment model, Pony.ai will supply the autonomous driving technology while Uber contributes its established ride-hailing platform. The arrangement allows for flexible ownership structures and local fleet management services, including vehicle maintenance, cleaning, and charging operations handled by regional partners depending on each market’s requirements.
The expanded collaboration represents the latest development in both companies’ robotaxi ambitions. Uber currently works with more than 30 autonomous vehicle manufacturers, while Pony.ai has established operations across four Chinese cities and secured partnerships with transportation authorities in multiple countries, including Qatar and nations throughout the Middle East.
This European push follows Uber and Pony.ai’s initial partnership announcement in May 2025 focused on Middle Eastern markets. The companies indicated that additional details regarding their European robotaxi rollout would emerge gradually in coming phases.
Originally reported by Techcrunch →
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