This article first appeared on GuruFocus .
Pony AI ( NASDAQ:PONY ) is stepping deeper into Europe, and Uber Technologies ( NYSE:UBER ) is extending its platform strategy as the two companies begin testing fully driverless vehicles in Zagreb, Croatia. The partnership, which had previously focused on the Middle East, is now preparing for a commercial rollout soon alongside local startup Verne. The fleet will consist of BAIC Motor-built Arcfox Alpha T5 robotaxis equipped with Pony AI's autonomous driving system, with rides initially offered through Verne's app and potentially expanding onto Uber's platform over time.
Testing on public roads in the Croatian capital is already underway, suggesting the companies are moving toward a broader European expansion. The partners plan to scale the fleet to thousands of vehicles over the next few years across additional cities and markets, while Uber has agreed to invest in Verne to support that growth. Verne, which is partly owned by Rimac Group, is expected to lead regulatory approvals and market readiness efforts, and has separately outlined plans to launch a two-seater robotaxi without a steering wheel in 2026, positioning it as a potential competitor to Tesla (TSLA)'s Cybercab.
For Uber, the expansion reflects its continued shift toward a partnership-driven model after exiting in-house autonomous development in 2020. The company now collaborates with more than 20 technology and automotive partners globally, aiming to introduce driverless rides in more than 10 markets this year. While a previously planned Middle East rollout with Pony AI has been postponed without a stated reason, the move into Europe could indicate a broader geographic pivot as Uber works to position itself as a central platform for both human-driven and autonomous mobility.
