Uber Brings Europe's First Robotaxi Service to Zagreb
Uber teams with Pony AI and Rimac spinoff Verne to launch autonomous ride-hailing in Croatia.
Uber is teaming up with two unlikely partners to crack the European robotaxi market. The ride-hailing giant has joined forces with China's Pony AI and Verne, a spinoff from Croatian hypercar maker Rimac, to roll out Europe's first commercial robotaxi service.
The launch city? Zagreb, Croatia. Not exactly the autonomous vehicle hotspot most people would predict.
The trio is already testing self-driving vehicles on Croatian streets ahead of the commercial debut. The partnership brings together Uber's massive ride-hailing platform, Pony AI's autonomous driving tech, and Verne's local presence and vehicle expertise.
While robotaxis have gained traction in the US and China, Europe has lagged behind due to tighter regulations. This Zagreb launch marks a significant milestone — the continent's first real commercial deployment of autonomous ride-hailing. Other European cities will likely be watching closely.