WHO will ride? Europe launches first robotaxi service in Zagreb via new
On March 26th, Uber announced a strategic alliance with China-based Pony.ai and Croatian startup Verne to launch the continent's inaugural fully autonomous taxi fleet starting this week in Croatia. The joint venture will deploy robots specifically for use within urban areas of cities like Zagreb under strict regulatory frameworks designed by local authorities rather than open roads nationwide as some other regions might suggest later on down line or elsewhere around Europe too potentially including Paris London Berlin Munich Vienna Amsterdam Brussels Stockholm Helsinki Oslo Copenhagen Madrid...
Key Points
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1Uber has partnered with Pony.ai (China) and local Croatian startup Verne to launch Europe's first robotaxi service.
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2The new fleet is set for deployment in Zagreb, Croatia as the initial market location before expanding across other European cities over several years.
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3Verne was founded by Mate Rimac of electric vehicle maker Rimac Group and has been developing autonomous vehicles since seven years ago.
Developments
Guangzhou-based Pony AI has partnered with Uber and Croatian start-up Verne to launch Level 4 autonomous robotaxis across various European cities over several years after previously operating successfully in Zagreb, Croatia. Under this agreement, Pon will supply the self-driving technology while integrating it into Uber's network for operations managed by local partners like Verne once safety standards are consistently met.
Uber has partnered with Pony.ai's Arcfox Alpha T5 robotaxis for Verne Group (founded by Mate Rimac) to launch a commercial autonomous ride-hailing service in Zagreb, Croatia. While specific dates remain unconfirmed and on-road testing is already underway there, Uber plans an undisclosed investment into the startup as part of this strategic alliance involving Chinese technology integration within Europe's growing EV ecosystem.