Uber has announced a partnership with Pony.ai to deploy 2,000 self-driving taxis across Europe, following the launch of a commercial robotaxi service in Zagreb, Croatia, which they claim is the first in Europe. The expansion will include four additional European cities, although specific locations and timelines have not been disclosed.
This initiative is part of Uber's broader strategy to build a substantial vehicle fleet, which is essential for collecting data to ensure safety and improve operational efficiency. The company aims to become the leading platform for autonomous vehicle commercialization, as stated by CEO Dara Khosrowshahi.
In comparison, Waymo, backed by Alphabet, currently leads the global robotaxi market with around 5,000 vehicles and is actively expanding its operations in Europe and Asia. Other competitors, including Baidu's Apollo Go and WeRide, are also increasing their presence in the European market.
Uber's collaboration with Pony.ai and other partnerships in cities like Madrid and Tokyo highlight its commitment to advancing autonomous vehicle technology and services