Uber Accelerates European Expansion With Robotaxi Service in Croatia
In Focus
- Uber has partnered with Pony.ai and Verne to introduce robotaxis in Zagreb city
- The ride-hailing firm will integrate Verne robotaxis into its platform
- Uber is set to invest in Verne and support its expansion
Uber Technologies is partnering with Chinese autonomous vehicle company Pony.ai and Verne to introduce the first commercial robotaxi service in Europe. The robotaxi service will first operate in Croatia’s Zagreb city.
“Europe needs autonomous mobility that can move from testing to a real service. At Verne, we are bringing together the technology, platform, and operational capabilities required to make this a reality, starting in Zagreb before expanding to new markets,” Verne CEO, Marko Pejkovic stated.
Uber Add Verne Robotaxis on its Platform
Under the new partnership, Uber will incorporate the commercial robotaxi service into its global ride-hailing platform. Uber’s platform is expected to operate alongside Verne’s customer-facing app.
Verne will manage the day-to-day operations of the robotaxi fleet in Croatia, while Pony.ai is expected to supply the autonomous driving technology. The three firms are looking to deploy thousands of robotaxis across European cities in the coming few years.
“The companies aim to build a scalable path toward commercial robotaxi services in Zagreb and, over time, potentially into additional European cities and other markets, with plans to scale to a fleet of thousands of robotaxis over the next few years,” The firms stated in joint statement.
Although the companies did not say when Europe’s first robotaxi service will commence, Pony.ai said the initial batch of autonomous vehicles will start operating soon.
Uber to Support Verne’s Expansion
Under the deal, Uber is expected to invest in Verne and help in driving its expansion. The global mobility platform has already partnered with different self-driving vehicle companies as part of a wider strategy to capitalize the growing demand for driverless taxis.
“Through a strong ecosystem of partnerships, autonomous mobility can both scale globally and more effectively,” Uber CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi noted.
Early this month, Uber added Motional robotaxis on its platform in Las Vegas in a move that would enable the autonomous vehicle company to scale its operations.
The three companies have begun on-road testing in Zagreb and plans to provide paid services are in progress. Verne is leading efforts to secure European regulatory approval. The robotaxi company is also coordinating the rollout of Pony.ai’s robotaxis on Verne and Uber platforms.
What Does the New Partnership Mean for Pony.ai?
The robotaxi launch in Zagreb, Croatia presents a strategic opportunity for Pony.ai. The Chinese company plans to roll out over 3,000 vehicles in more than 20 cities worldwide this year. About 50% of this fleet will be deployed in overseas markets, including Zagreb.
“This partnership creates a more efficient and scalable path to international expansion, with the potential for Pony.ai to share in recurring revenue streams generated through local commercial service,” Pony.ai Founder and CEO, Dr. James Peng noted.
The Chinese self-driving technology firm has been conducting on-road tests in the Middle East, South Korea, and Singapore. Last year, Pony.ai partnered with Stellantis to accelerate development and deployment of autonomous vehicles in Europe. Currently, the company currently has a fleet of 1,446 vehicles in different markets.
