Pony.ai (NASDAQ:PONY), a global leader in autonomous driving technology, reached a historic milestone on April 8, 2026, with the launch of Europe’s first commercial robotaxi service in Zagreb, Croatia.
The service, launched in strategic partnership with regional mobility firm Verne, marks a significant geographic expansion for the company outside of its core markets in China and the United States.
The initial rollout covers a service area of approximately 90 square kilometers, encompassing major residential and business districts as well as Zagreb Airport.
Operations are scheduled daily from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. local time.
A key component of the launch strategy is the forthcoming integration with the Uber app, allowing users in Zagreb to summon a Pony.ai autonomous vehicle directly through the familiar ride-hailing platform.
The integration is expected to streamline adoption and provide a seamless transition for commuters accustomed to traditional ride-sharing services.
The European debut follows Pony.ai’s recent success in China, where its Gen-7 autonomous units reached unit-economics breakeven milestones in two tier-one cities.
The Gen-7 platform features an optimized sensor suite and high-performance computing that significantly reduces hardware costs while maintaining redundant safety systems.
Pony.ai is currently pursuing an aggressive growth target to reach 3,000 vehicles in its global fleet by the end of 2026.
This expansion is supported by its "dual-engine" strategy, which combines the development of its own robotaxi fleet with the licensing of its autonomous driving technology to third-party automotive and logistics partners.