By Rob Curran
Shares of Pony.ai surged after the maker of robotaxis struck a deal to add its vehicles to ride-hailing app Uber Technologies' fleet, beginning with a pilot program in the Middle East.
The self-driving car company, which started in Fremont, Calif, and has offices in China, said the Uber robotaxis will be available this year in the Middle East, with a view to expanding to more international markets. Under the arrangement, a customer who orders an Uber car could be given the option to select a robotaxi. There will be a "safety operator" in the car during the pilot period, the companies said.
Shares of Pony.ai rose 9% to $10.54, premarket.
"Our partnership with Pony.ai is another meaningful step towards introducing the benefits of autonomous mobility to the world," said Uber Chief Executive Dara Khosrowshahi, in a statement.
According to its Web site, Pony.ai has adapted several conventional cars to self-driving, using its software and hardware. These robotaxis are already operative in some major Chinese cities.
Write to Rob Curran at rob.curran@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
May 06, 2025 08:56 ET (12:56 GMT)
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