Uber Expands European Robotaxi Footprint with Pony.ai Partnership

The ride-hailing giant teams up with autonomous vehicle startup to launch commercial service in Zagreb, Croatia.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 7:52am by Ben Kaplan

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Uber Technologies, Inc. has announced a strategic partnership with autonomous vehicle company Pony.ai and logistics firm Verne to launch Europe's first commercial robotaxi service in Zagreb, Croatia. The move represents a capital-light approach for Uber to enter the European autonomous mobility market, which could improve long-term margins and total addressable market potential.

Why it matters

Uber's robotaxi efforts have faced skepticism from investors, but this partnership with established AV players like Pony.ai improves the probability that Uber's autonomous driving initiatives will become meaningful contributors to the business over time. The Zagreb launch also marks Uber's first foray into the European autonomous mobility market, potentially unlocking new growth opportunities.

The details

Under the agreement, Uber, Pony.ai, and Verne will collaborate to deploy a fleet of self-driving vehicles for commercial robotaxi operations in Zagreb. Pony.ai will provide the autonomous driving technology and vehicle fleet, while Verne will handle local operations and logistics. Uber will leverage its ridesharing platform to power the service and provide the user experience. The companies aim to launch the robotaxi service in the second half of 2026.

  • Uber, Pony.ai, and Verne plan to launch the Zagreb robotaxi service in the second half of 2026.
  • Pony.ai recently announced plans to more than double its robotaxi fleet and expand internationally.

The players

Uber Technologies, Inc.

An American technology company that operates a global platform connecting riders, drivers, couriers, restaurants, and shippers.

Pony.ai

An autonomous driving company that provides the self-driving technology and vehicle fleet for the Zagreb robotaxi service.

Verne

A logistics firm that will handle local operations and logistics for the Zagreb robotaxi service.

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What they’re saying

“We are excited to partner with Pony.ai and Verne to bring the first commercial robotaxi service to Europe. This represents a capital-light way for Uber to enter the autonomous mobility market and could improve our long-term margins and total addressable market.”

— Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO, Uber Technologies

What’s next

Uber, Pony.ai, and Verne plan to launch the Zagreb robotaxi service in the second half of 2026, pending regulatory approvals and other operational milestones.

The takeaway

Uber's partnership with established autonomous vehicle players like Pony.ai represents a strategic move to expand its robotaxi capabilities and enter the European market, potentially unlocking new growth opportunities and improving the long-term profitability of its business.