Robotaxi operator Pony.ai has begun testing rides with human staff inside between a suburb of Beijing and a major high-speed train station.
CNBC
Pony.ai, the Chinese autonomous driving firm, is accelerating its global expansion, announcing a collaboration with Stellantis aimed at deploying robotaxis in Europe. This move follows closely on the heels of Pony.ai’s ongoing testing of robotaxi services, with safety drivers, in select areas of Beijing.
The partnership will commence with testing in Luxembourg in the coming months, leveraging Pony.ai’s European division headquartered there. The long-term vision involves a phased rollout of robotaxi services across various European cities, beginning in 2026.
Under the agreement, Pony.ai will contribute its autonomous driving software stack, while Stellantis, the multinational automotive conglomerate with brands like Chrysler, Citroën, and Jeep, will provide electric vehicles, initially the Peugeot e-Traveller. This strategic alliance leverages the strengths of both companies: Pony.ai’s advanced AI-powered driving capabilities and Stellantis’ established automotive engineering and manufacturing expertise.
Prior to any large-scale deployment, Pony.ai will need to successfully demonstrate its technology’s safety and reliability in European conditions. This entails extensive testing on public roads and gathering sufficient data to satisfy stringent regulatory requirements. Pony.ai’s approach has been a cautious but steady advancements. The deployment strategy emphasizes the importance of building public trust and securing regulatory approvals before wider commercialization.
Ned Curic, Stellantis’ Chief Engineering and Technology Officer, lauded Pony.ai’s “technical expertise and collaborative approach.” He emphasized Stellantis’ commitment to integrating autonomous driving technology into its vehicles and partnering with industry leaders to achieve this goal.
The race to commercialize robotaxi services is intensifying, with major players vying for market share in key regions. While the U.S. and China have been at the forefront of robotaxi development, companies are now focusing on expanding into the Middle East and Europe.
Earlier this week, Waymo, a subsidiary of Alphabet, unveiled its plans to initiate testing in London, with the intention of launching a robotaxi service in the UK capital next year. This announcement underscores the growing interest and investment in autonomous transportation solutions across Europe.
Pony.ai and WeRide have both received Chinese regulatory clearance for dual listings in Hong Kong. This funding could allow them to expand globally and further develop their AI capabilities.
The competition in the autonomous driving space is fierce, with companies vying to secure partnerships with automakers, attract funding, and navigate complex regulatory landscapes. Pony.ai’s collaboration with Stellantis represents a significant step forward in its European expansion and positions the company to capitalize on the burgeoning demand for autonomous mobility solutions.
Original article, Author: Tobias. If you wish to reprint this article, please indicate the source:https://aicnbc.com/11089.html
