By Jiahui Huang

Chinese self-driving startup Pony AI plans to take its robotaxi services to Hong Kong, following in the footsteps of market leader Baidu in seeking to expand beyond mainland China.

The Nasdaq-listed company said in a WeChat post on Friday that it will make its taxis available for commuting employees at Hong Kong International Airport, adding that it hopes the move will lead to further expansion in the Asian financial hub.

Pony AI didn't say when it intends to enter Hong Kong. Chinese technology giant Baidu in November secured a license to start its Apollo robotaxi services for trials in the city.

Pony AI, whose robotaxis developed with Toyota and others currently operate on a testing basis in Chinese cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, has started charging for auto-driving services at Beijing Daxing International Airport. It has also conducted test runs for the expressway to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport.

The company raised more than $400 million in an initial public offering and private placement in New York in late November, a month after rival WeRide raised more than $440 million from its IPO and concurrent private placement.

Write to Jiahui Huang at jiahui.huang@wsj.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

January 06, 2025 03:34 ET (08:34 GMT)

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