Robotaxis operator Pony.ai has begun testing rides with human staff between Beijing’s suburbs and major high-speed rail stations.
CNBC | Evelyn Chen
Chinese robotaxi company Pony.ai announced Friday that it will collaborate with Stellantis to test self-driving taxis in Europe.
The companies announced that testing will begin in the coming months in Luxembourg, where Pony.ai’s European division is headquartered. The two companies are planning a “step-by-step rollout to European cities” starting next year.
Pony.ai provides self-driving software, and Stellantis, which owns brands such as Chrysler, Citroen and Jeep, offers electric vehicles including the Peugeot e-Traveller.
The introduction of robotaxis for the general market typically begins with field testing on public roads to establish a safety track record for regulatory approval.
“Pony.ai stands out for its technical expertise and collaborative approach.”
Ned Kulick, chief engineering and technology officer at Stellantis, said Pony.ai is known for its “technical expertise and collaborative approach.” He said automakers are building vehicle systems for autonomous driving integration and are “partnering with the best in the industry.”
Major cities in the United States and China are among the first in the world to allow local companies to operate public robotaxis.
Both companies have stepped up efforts to expand into the Middle East and Europe over the past year.
Earlier this week, US robotaxi operator Waymo announced plans to begin testing its self-driving taxi service in London before launching its self-driving taxi service there next year. Waymo is owned by Alphabet, Google’s parent company.
Pony.ai and its Chinese rival WeRide are both listed in the U.S. The companies this week received approval from Chinese regulators for plans to sell their shares in a dual listing in Hong Kong.
—CNBC’s Lora Kolodny contributed to this report.
