Uber has partnered with Pony AI to introduce driverless ride-hailing services in Croatia, with initial deployments already being trialled in Zagreb.
The collaboration also involves local start-up Verne, which will act as fleet owner and operational provider, while Uber integrates the service into its global ride-hailing platform. According to a joint statement, the companies are preparing for a commercial launch in the near term, with early access expected via Verne’s proprietary app before integration into Uber’s network.
At the core of the deployment is Pony AI’s seventh-generation autonomous driving stack, a system combining advanced sensor fusion, machine learning algorithms, and real-time decision-making capabilities.
The technology is currently being tested on the Arcfox Alpha T5 Robotaxi, with preparations underway to transition from pilot testing to fare-generating operations.
The rollout represents a significant step in scaling Level 4 autonomous mobility, where vehicles can operate without human intervention under defined conditions. Following the Zagreb pilot, the partners intend to expand into additional European markets, with ambitions to scale to thousands of robotaxis over the coming years.
Dara Khosrowshahi said: “Through a strong ecosystem of partnerships, autonomous mobility can both scale globally and more effectively. By bringing together Pony AI’s proven autonomous driving technology, Verne’s operational and market expertise, and Uber’s global platform, we’re taking an important step toward making autonomous ride-hailing available to more riders in more places.”
The initiative aligns with Uber’s broader strategy to accelerate adoption of autonomous systems, following its recent plans to launch driverless ride services across 15 markets by the end of the year.
Pony AI also reported strong financial momentum, with unaudited results showing robotaxi revenues rising 160 per cent year-on-year to $6.7 million in the fourth quarter of 2025, underlining growing commercial traction in the sector.
