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Legacy auto giant Stellantis and Chinese autonomous driving technology company Pony.ai have announced a strategic partnership aimed at bringing Level 4 autonomous robotaxis to Europe.
Following news earlier this week that Waymo plans to roll out driverless robotaxis on the streets of London, this new partnership marks the latest development in the race toward autonomous deployment in Europe.
In a joint statement on Friday, Stellantis and Pony.ai announced plans to launch test robotaxis in Luxembourg, home to Pony.ai’s European division. Pilot programs are set to begin in the coming months.
The pair also expressed their ambition to extend trials beyond Luxembourg into other European cities starting in 2026.
Speaking on the ramifications of widespread autonomy, Stellantis’ Chief Engineering and Technology Officer, Ned Curic, said:
“Driverless vehicles have the potential to transform the way people move in our cities, offering safer and more affordable options for communities.”
As part of the joint venture, Stellantis and Pony.ai will jointly develop and test SAE Level 4 (hands-off, eyes-off) autonomous vehicles, integrating Stellantis’ AV-Ready Platform with Pony.ai’s autonomous driving technology.
The project will initially focus on the development of medium-sized electric vans.
Founded in 2016, Pony.ai already operates fully driverless robotaxi services in several Chinese cities.
The European race for the widespread deployment of autonomous vehicles is very much underway as competitors WeRide and Baidu Apollo have also began their expansion into the European market. Baidu Apollo will be beginning trails in Germany and the UK, whilst WeRide has decided on Switzerland as the launchpad for its own autonomous trails.
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