PONY-W (02026) has announced an expansion of its partnership with Uber Technologies, Inc. (Uber), aiming to deploy over 2,000 autonomous robotaxis across Europe. The collaboration extends beyond the existing commercial service in Zagreb, which is soon to be available on the Uber platform, into four additional European cities. This enlarged agreement also includes plans to introduce autonomous ride-hailing services in the Middle East.
The expanded partnership provides a clearer path to commercial scale for the company's co-owned fleet model. This model integrates three core capabilities needed for large-scale autonomous ride-hailing operations: L4 autonomous driving technology, a leading mobility platform, and daily fleet management. It enables technology, platform, and fleet partners to collaborate within the same market, with each party potentially assuming multiple roles. Depending on market conditions, vehicle funding and ownership can be handled by different partners.
Under the expanded agreement, PONY-W will contribute its L4 autonomous driving technology, passenger experience, and operational expertise, gained from multiple large-scale robotaxi deployments in China. Uber will provide customer access through its global mobility platform, including booking, payment, and customer service capabilities, alongside its expanding network of human drivers. Daily fleet operations will be managed by established local fleet partners selected for each market.
The relationship between PONY-W and Uber dates back to May 2025, when they first announced plans to introduce the company's autonomous taxis to the Uber platform internationally. In 2026, in partnership with Croatian mobility company Verne, they launched Europe's first commercial autonomous ride-hailing service in Zagreb, with Verne acting as the local fleet owner and operator. PONY-W views this expanded cooperation with Uber as a further evolution of its development strategy, complementing regional fleet deployments with ongoing entry into new markets.
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