Latest news with #Pony.ai
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Automotive
- Borneo Post
China's driverless tech finds new traction on global roads
This photo taken on April 17, 2025 shows a WeRide Robobus (front) operating at an airport in Zurich, Switzerland. (Xinhua) GUANGZHOU (June 30): Driverless sedans glide smoothly to the curb, autonomous shuttles whisk travelers through airport terminals, and robotic sweepers hum along busy streets. These once-futuristic scenes are fast entering everyday life across the globe, and many of them are powered by Chinese technology. From San Jose of California to Paris and Riyadh, China's swiftly advancing autonomous driving industry is gaining ground, exporting cutting-edge solutions that are quietly transforming how people move and how cities function. 'Chinese autonomous driving firms are accelerating their global expansion, fueled by mature technologies, swift deployment cycles and rising international demand,' said Liu Jinshan, a professor at Jinan University in south China's Guangzhou. This photo taken on March 11, 2025 shows an interior view of a WeRide Robobus operating in downtown Barcelona, Spain. (Xinhua) GOING GLOBAL In late May, Chinese autonomous driving firm WeRide made headlines as its self-driving vehicles began rolling through the streets of the capital Riyadh and the historic city of AlUla in Saudi Arabia. Almost simultaneously, another major player, Guangzhou-based also shifted its global ambitions into higher gear, announcing a strategic partnership with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to launch autonomous transport services. These moves are among the latest examples of a broader trend — a larger push by Chinese autonomous vehicle (AV) developers to expand their global presence. Chinese-developed autonomous driving technologies have made inroads into a growing number of global markets — including the United States, France, Spain, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Chinese tech giant Baidu serves as a prime example of this momentum. In the first quarter of 2025, its autonomous ride-hailing arm, Apollo Go, completed over 1.4 million rides, up 75 percent year on year, bringing its global total to over 11 million rides by May. Much of this success can be attributed to China's innovation-friendly environment. By the end of 2024, the country had established 17 national-level intelligent connected vehicle testing zones, with more than 32,000 kilometers of open test roads and over 120 million kilometers of cumulative test mileage, according to official figures. As Chinese AV firms gain global traction, collaboration with global players is deepening. Uber, for instance, has teamed up with WeRide and to integrate Chinese-developed AVs into its ride-hailing platform, starting with pilot operations in the Middle East. 'It's clear that the future of mobility will be increasingly shared, electric and autonomous,' said Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi. 'We look forward to working with Chinese leading AV companies to help bring the benefits of autonomous technology to cities around the world.' This photo taken on May 25, 2025 shows a WeRide Robobus operating in the historic city of AlUla in Saudi Arabia. (Xinhua) MUTUAL BENEFITS The rise of China's autonomous driving industry is creating ripple effects across global markets, offering development opportunities far beyond transportation. Peng Jun, co-founder and CEO of said the company's overseas expansion has sparked deep collaboration across the broader mobility value chain — spanning auto manufacturing, R&D, logistics and smart mobility services. 'Deploying autonomous vehicles attracts global component suppliers to invest in local facilities, which helps form industrial clusters and boosts the competitiveness of local manufacturing,' Peng noted. The benefits go beyond factories. According to Zhang Yuxue, WeRide's director of PR and marketing, local partnerships have also led to job creation in areas such as safety operations, fleet management and technical support. Notably, as Chinese AV companies venture into regions with varied road conditions, climates and regulatory environments, their technologies are evolving in step. 'Expanding globally helps us sharpen our algorithms to adapt to complex, real-world scenarios, ranging from the narrow urban roads of Europe to the extreme heat of the Middle East,' said Zhang. Wu Qiong, an autonomous driving expert at Baidu, said Apollo Go is building a 'full-spectrum technical validation chain' as it expands overseas. 'For example, we're testing in Switzerland, a right-hand-drive country with some of the world's most stringent traffic laws, which offers one of the toughest proving grounds for autonomous vehicles,' Wu said. CHALLENGES ON ROAD AHEAD Despite impressive strides, industry insiders note that autonomous driving remains in the early stages of commercialization and global expansion. China's autonomous driving industry still faces significant headwinds on its path to global growth, said Wu Zhanchi, a professor at Jinan University. 'Challenges range from adapting to overseas regulatory frameworks and overcoming high technical localization barriers, to ensuring compliance with cross-border data regulations and fierce competition from international giants,' Wu added. 'The sector also faces significant challenges in technological innovation and the development of sustainable business models,' said Zhu Xichan, professor at Tongji University in Shanghai. Zhu emphasized that achieving scale is crucial for the long-term viability of the AV industry. 'Global expansion not only broadens the range of real-world application scenarios but also boosts deployment volumes, both of which are vital for refining technologies and developing commercially viable models,' he said. Yet, several companies have begun to tackle these hurdles head-on. Peng Jun of said the company has overcome key challenges — such as cost reduction and front-end mass production. 'Our products have reached a level of maturity, and we have achieved positive unit economics,' he noted. Looking ahead, Peng said will continue to expand in Asia, the Middle East and Europe, leveraging existing partnerships to accelerate the growth of its global footprint. Zhang Yuxue echoed this sentiment, saying that WeRide is committed to broadening its international reach by promoting a diverse fleet of autonomous solutions, ranging from robotaxis and minibuses to freight trucks, sanitation vehicles and advanced self-driving systems. General Manager of Apollo Go for Europe and the Middle East Zhang Liang said Baidu aims to build the largest driverless fleet in Abu Dhabi by partnering with local stakeholders to jointly foster a robust autonomous driving ecosystem. In addition, Baidu is exploring cooperation with local new energy firms to develop innovative services, including battery swapping, which Zhang said will help improve operational efficiency. 'Given their growing track record in both domestic and international markets, there is good reason to believe that Chinese AV firms will secure a strong foothold in this global mobility market, ultimately becoming a hallmark of 'Made-in-China' innovation,' Wu noted. – Xinhua China driverless cars smart autonomous driving technology
Axios
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Axios
Uber and ex-CEO Travis Kalanick are talking about a new deal
Uber is in talks with former CEO Travis Kalanick to help fund his prospective bid for the U.S. subsidiary of Chinese self-driving car company as reported by The New York Times and confirmed by Axios. Why it matters: The 2017 breakup between Uber and Kalanick was brutal. When the ride-hail giant went public 23 months later, new CEO Dara Khosrowshahi rejected Kalanick's request to stand on the NYSE "balcony" to help ring the opening bell. Kalanick also has remained steadfast that Uber would have a self-driving fleet had he remained in charge. Zoom in: For Uber, these talks reflect serious competition from Waymo. And fears of serious competition from Tesla, which just launched its robo-taxi service in Austin. For Pony, which trades on the Nasdaq, it reflects how national security rules have caused it to keep its U.S. and Chinese businesses and tech separate — thus setting the stage for a sale.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Uber in talks with Travis Kalanick to fund acquisition of Pony.ai US
Uber Technologies is in preliminary discussions with its co-founder and former CEO, Travis Kalanick, to help fund his acquisition of the US subsidiary of Chinese autonomous vehicle company according to a report by The New York Times. The talks signal Uber's response to growing competition from self-driving taxi services such as Waymo and Tesla. The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the confidential nature of the discussions, indicated that the talks are at an early stage. Should the deal proceed, Kalanick, would lead while continuing his role as head of CloudKitchens, a virtual restaurant start-up he founded after departing Uber in 2017 following a boardroom coup. The financial terms of the potential transaction remain undisclosed. went public in the US in 2024, raising $260m through a share sale, with its market capitalisation currently standing at approximately $4.5bn. It is unclear whether Uber would take an investment stake in as part of the deal. An Uber spokesman declined to comment on the deal talks, stating, 'Uber has a platform strategy, and we intend to work with multiple players in the US and around the world who can safely bring autonomous technology to the world.' Devon Spurgeon, a spokeswoman for Kalanick, did not provide an immediate comment, and did not respond to requests for comment. Kalanick's tenure at Uber included efforts to develop autonomous vehicle technology, notably through the acquisition of Otto, a self-driving trucking start-up led by former Google engineer Anthony Levandowski. This move led to a lawsuit from Google, which accused Levandowski of trade secret theft and sought to prevent Uber from using its self-driving technology. Bloomberg News previously reported in November 2024 that Uber was in talks to invest in US initial public offering, though the final scale of any investment remains undisclosed. Uber has also partnered with to launch commercial robotaxi services in the Middle East. headquartered in China, maintains research operations and testing permits in the US and Europe, with Toyota Motor holding a nearly 16% stake as its largest shareholder, according to Bloomberg data. "Uber in talks with Travis Kalanick to fund acquisition of US" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Time of India
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
How Dubai is reinventing mobility—And why Indian startups should pay attention
Autonomous taxis are on the horizon, hybrid vehicles are already navigating city streets, and flying taxis are moving from concept to reality. Dubai is steadily transforming the way a modern city moves, guided by a vision of cleaner, smarter, and more efficient mobility. What sets Dubai apart is its unique fusion of advanced technology, strategic foresight, and a collaborative ecosystem that blends global partnerships with homegrown innovation. For India, where the dialogue around electric vehicles, logistics technology, and urban infrastructure is rapidly evolving, Dubai serves as a compelling reference point. In this piece, we examine what India can learn from Dubai's ambitious mobility initiatives—and the lessons they offer for cities reimagining the future of urban transportation. On the way to autonomy and sustainability- Dubai's green and driverless vision Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has partnered with autonomous driving startup to introduce a fleet of self-driving taxis by 2026, with pilots commencing earlier this year (2025). These state-of-the-art, all-weather autonomous vehicles—now in their seventh generation—are a key component of the city's Smart Mobility Plan, which aims to automate 25% of all transport journeys by 2030. Complementing this push is a parallel goal to decarbonise. Currently, 50% of Dubai's taxi fleet consists of hybrid vehicles, and the RTA plans to transition entirely to hybrid or electric vehicles by 2027. Supporting this is a growing EV infrastructure, with over 300 charging stations now existing across the city. The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is targeting 1,000 by 2025. For Indian EV and battery-tech startups, this offers not just partnership potential but also valuable market and policy insights, especially given Dubai's regulatory openness and focus on smart public-private models. As Ahmed Mahboob, CEO of the Licensing Agency at RTA, reported, 'The RTA remains committed to establishing Dubai as a global benchmark for smart and sustainable transport systems. This also aligns with efforts to elevate Dubai's standing in government service excellence and advance its ambition to become the world's most digitally advanced city.' Urban air mobility in Dubai and the sky's the limit! Beyond road transport, Dubai has also been at the forefront of urban air mobility. Back in 2017, Volocopter conducted its first public demonstration in the city—an autonomous electric air taxi flying 500 meters at an altitude of 60 meters—making it one of the world's earliest real-world UAM trials. Today, the Emirate is moving steadily toward launching commercial air mobility services by 2026. The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), in coordination with the Technology Innovation Institute (TII) and ASPIRE, is currently establishing air corridors, traffic control standards, and vertiport infrastructure at key nodes, including Dubai Marina, the Palm Jumeirah, and Dubai International Airport. Companies such as Joby Aviation and Volocopter are helping shape this aerial layer of urban mobility. As Dubai develops vertiports and air corridors for commercial launch by 2026, it raises important lessons for India's evolving UAM landscape. Private sector as the powerhouse– collaboration driving transformation While most of these innovations are primarily government-led, the private sector is equally instrumental in shaping what comes next. Take logistics-tech platform TruKKer, for example, which has partnered with the RTA to launch Logisty, an AI-driven freight mobility marketplace aimed at improving fleet utilisation and bringing transparency to freight costs. Whether in the air or on the road, Dubai's approach is marked by collaboration, technology, and a clear intent to redefine how a city moves. His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General, Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the RTA, highlighted,"The launch of the 'Logisty' platform supports the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) aimed to enhance Dubai's position as one of the top three economic cities in the world. This also aligns with the Dubai Commercial Road Transport & Logistics Strategy 2030, along with the associated roadmap and projects aimed to double the direct contribution of the commercial road transport logistics sector to the emirate's economy to AED 16.8 billion, increase technology adoption in the sector's infrastructure by 75%, and improve operational efficiency by 10%.' 'There is backing at the highest level. We also believe that the current evolution will continue to increase in the coming years as investors and governments play a more active role in creating value globally. Businesses like TruKKer are on a journey from MENA to the world.' Gaurav Biswas, Founder and CEO, TruKKer, reportedly mentioned. Meanwhile, Talabat's partnership with e-bike firm Motoboy signals a strategic shift towards sustainable last-mile logistics, aligned with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 goals. 'Talabat's success story has been driven by innovation, entrepreneurship, and a deep understanding of our region,' said Tomaso Rodriguez, CEO of Talabat, after the company's record-breaking IPO on the Dubai Financial Market in 2025. 'These factors have enabled us to serve and deliver to a remarkable region that we are proud to call home.' These efforts demonstrate a symbiotic model where startups don't just benefit from regulation—they help shape it, offering a dynamic blueprint for Indian entrepreneurs. Dubai's vision– A gateway for Indian investment and entrepreneurship This tech-forward city is positioning itself as a global springboard for innovation-led businesses, especially from rapidly growing markets like India. With an urban ecosystem powered by AI, IoT, clean energy, and digital-first governance, the city offers fertile ground for Indian startups looking to test, scale, and globalise their solutions. For Indian entrepreneurs, especially those working in EVs, logistics-tech, or urban infrastructure, Dubai presents a unique advantage. Its business-friendly environment includes free zones with 100% foreign ownership, zero income tax, and streamlined regulatory processes. What's more? Dubai's strategic location- connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa- makes it an ideal hub for international expansion. Initiatives like the Dubai Future Accelerators and the presence of a robust VC network help accelerate growth, while long-term Golden Visa options provide stability for founders and skilled professionals. For Indian startups eyeing global markets, Dubai isn't a far-off frontier—it's a real-time sandbox for innovation, scale, and visibility.
India Today
12-06-2025
- Business
- India Today
MWC25 Shanghai to start from June 18, robotaxis and humanoid robots to be part of the show
MWC25 Shanghai is set to begin on June 18, and the three-day event will run until June 20, 2025. The event will bring together global innovators, policymakers, and business leaders to explore the next wave of digital transformation in Asia-Pacific. It will be held at the Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) and Kerry Hotel Pudong. The MWC Shanghai event promises to showcase some of the most exciting tech trends in the industry right now, including robotaxis, AI-powered smartphones, humanoid robots and by the GSMA, MWC25 Shanghai is being billed as a defining moment for the region's tech market. 'MWC25 Shanghai will explore how 5G, AI, and IoT are transforming industries and accelerating a new era of intelligent, connected growth,' says China now the world's largest 5G market, the event is expected to highlight how mobile connectivity is contributing not just to productivity, but to sustainable societies. According to the GSMA, mobile tech is on track to add $2 trillion to China's economy and nearly $11 trillion globally by drones and AI at MWC Shanghai One of the key new features this year is the GSMA Innovation Frontier Zone. This section will feature cutting-edge innovations across robotics, immersive tech, autonomous mobility and AI. Visitors can expect to see robotaxis and a VR simulation of autonomous driving from There will also be Air taxis, like AutoFlight's Shenglong eVTOL, which can take off vertically and cruise like an aircraft. advertisementAdditionally, on-display will be AI-powered smartphones and smart devices from Honor. Humanoid robots and intelligent drones will also be a part of the exhibition from companies including Leju Robotics, Droidup, Unitree and Zhiyuan new experience is the World Robot Contest Qualifier, which will be held on each day of the event. Often referred to as the 'Olympics of the robotics world,' the contest aims to encourage young tech talent and support innovation in Shanghai will also feature the Future Tech Hall, showcasing emerging tech from the Yangtze River Delta and Greater Bay Area. Visitors can explore booths from companies like Shanghai Spacesail, Unicom Air Net, xFusion Digital Technologies and more. The 4YFN Zone – short for Four Years From Now – also returns to MWC Shanghai, offering a platform for Asia Pacific's most promising startups and innovators to connect with global first for the event is a collaboration with IOTE, Asia's leading IoT expo. This tie-up will add a dedicated section on IoT technology, covering everything from RFID and edge computing to visual Shanghai will also host the Asia Mobile Awards (AMOs) on June 19, which will be day-2 of the event. This year introduces three new categories: Best AI Innovation in Asia, Best Mobile Innovation for Climate Action, and an award recognising SME are also a few thought leadership programmes at the event that includes Industry Summits covering Agentic AI, AI-Powered Telcos, smart mobility, 5G monetisation and sustainability. The GSMA Policy Leaders Forum will be held for the first time at MWC Shanghai, bringing global policymakers together to discuss the impact of AI, digital transformation and the road to GSMA Digital Leaders Programme will also be returning to MWC Shanghai – for the 7th year. It will focus on the impact of AI on global digital names on the rollThis year's keynote speakers include top names from Asia-Pacific's tech and telecom sector, such as:-James Li, CEO, Honor-Eric Xu, Deputy Chairman, Huawei-Bo Gao, Managing Director, AI Club Asia-Yang Jie, Executive Director & Chairman, China Mobile-Zhiyong Zhang, Chairman, China Tower-Zhu Huarong, Chairman, Chongqing Changan Automobile-Anna Yip, CEO of International Digital Services, Singtel-Cui Li, Chief Development Officer, ZTE
