DUBAI, UAE, May 26, 2025 — Pony.ai (NASDAQ: PONY) announced today that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to introduce its state-of-the-art robotaxi fleet in the region. This partnership highlights Pony.ai’s dedication to promoting self-driving technology in one of the world’s most vibrant urban centers.
Mr. Ahmed Bahrozyan, CEO of the Public Transport Agency at RTA, commented: “The collaboration with Pony.ai represents another key step in furthering Dubai‘s Self-Driving Transport Strategy. This alliance is vital to achieving our objective of converting 25% of all journeys in the city to autonomous trips by 2030, solidifying Dubai‘s leading position in autonomous mobility and innovation globally. We are pleased to be working with Pony.ai, a leader in autonomous driving technology, to enhance the integration of smart transport solutions in Dubai.”
Dr. Leo Wang, CFO of Pony.ai, stated: “Dubai is at the forefront of innovative intelligent urban mobility, and we are honored to partner with RTA on this groundbreaking initiative. By leveraging our proven autonomous driving technology and extensive experience in fleet operations, we are dedicated to accelerating Dubai‘s transition to autonomous transportation.”
In line with Dubai‘s 2030 Smart City Vision, which aims to shift 25% of the city’s transportation to autonomous vehicles by 2030, this collaboration will introduce Pony.ai’s self-driving technology through a phased implementation. Initial supervised trials are scheduled to begin in 2025, followed by fully driverless operations in 2026.
As a global leader in autonomous mobility solutions, Pony.ai intends to commence mass production and deployment of its seventh-generation robotaxis in the latter half of 2025. This effort is anticipated to create a strong base for the company’s global expansion.
The company plans to increase its robotaxi fleet to thousands of vehicles worldwide within the next two years, marking 2025 as the starting point for large-scale commercial deployment. This expedited timeline is made possible by advancements in technology, vehicle engineering, and operational readiness.
Pony.ai’s seventh-generation autonomous driving system, recently unveiled at Auto Shanghai 2025, highlights this technological advancement. The AD kit hardware suite reduces BOM costs by 70% while adhering to strict automotive-grade standards. Its advanced sensor array manages complex scenarios, from high-speed highways to busy urban areas like Dubai’s business and financial districts. The platform-based design allows for quick adaptation across various vehicle models.
For vehicle production, Pony.ai is partnering with industry leaders such as Toyota, GAC Motor, and BAIC Motor to develop its seventh-generation robotaxis. Mass deployment is expected later this year, following the vehicles’ successful launch in Shanghai in April.
The company has established an extensive robotaxi operation system that features fully automated processes from vehicle dispatch to the completion of service. In China, Pony.ai was the first autonomous driving company to provide fully driverless ride-hailing services across Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Its fleet of approximately 300 Robotaxi vehicles serves vital locations such as Beijing South Railway Station and Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, while navigating challenging environments like Shenzhen’s densely populated Nanshan District, showcasing adaptable solutions for global urban settings.
“We’ve developed significant expertise in robotaxis through years of operation in China, and we’re now applying that knowledge to Dubai. Our aim is to provide residents and visitors with driverless technology that is not only greener and safer but also genuinely simplifies transportation within the city,” said Leo Wang.
Long-term plans include integrating robotaxi services with Dubai’s multimodal transport network, which includes metro, tram, and maritime routes, to create a future where autonomous vehicles enhance existing infrastructure, facilitating smoother journeys and reducing the city’s carbon footprint.
To date, Pony.ai has obtained robotaxi testing permits in four major markets, including the United States, China, South Korea, and Luxembourg. The new alliance with Dubai further expands its global footprint and marks a significant step in its expansion in the Middle East.
SOURCE Pony.ai
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