Uber and Pony.ai Target European Market with 2,000 Robotaxis

The partnership leverages a division of labor designed to lower barriers to entry. Pony.ai provides the core self-driving software and hardware, while Uber integrates these vehicles into its global ride-hailing network. To manage the physical requirements of the fleet, the companies plan to tap into local providers for maintenance, charging, and cleaning services. This flexibility allows the vehicles to be owned by various regional partners rather than a single corporate entity.

While the companies have not disclosed specific launch dates or identified the target cities, the move follows a series of incremental steps. The collaboration began in May 2025 with a focus on the Middle East, including projects in Qatar. In Europe, the companies previously signaled their intent to operate in Zagreb, Croatia, alongside the local firm Verne. By formalizing this joint-deployment model, Pony.ai and Uber aim to transition from experimental testing to a sustained commercial presence, competing for dominance in a segment where Uber has already engaged with over 30 autonomous vehicle developers.