America and China Unite, Bringing Disaster for Online Drivers

US and Chinese companies are uniting to expand driverless robotaxi services more broadly. Uber is collaborating with Pony AI to launch its first commercial service in Europe. The two companies are working with Croatian firm Verne to introduce the service. Uber taxi users in the country will soon be able to access robotaxis, as cited from The Verge on Friday (27/3/2026). In this partnership, Uber will provide the taxi network and its customers. Verne, a spin-off from supercar maker Rimac, will manage the fleet, while Pony AI develops the autonomous driving technology. The first service will be available in Zagreb. Previously, the robotaxis underwent testing in Croatia’s capital. The technology used on Zagreb’s streets is Pony AI’s Robotaxi Arcfox Alpha T5. The company has equipped it with generation-7 technology. Meanwhile, the vehicles are developed and produced in collaboration with Beijing Automotive Group Co (BAIC). After Croatia, the service will be expanded to other European markets. The plan is to increase the fleet to thousands of robotaxis in the coming years. Europe itself will face numerous robotaxis on its streets in the near future. Besides Croatia, Uber is testing autonomous vehicles with Momenta in Germany. Waymo also plans to launch a similar service in London this year. Volkswagen has similar plans to launch a service with its subsidiary Moia in Germany.