You Can Soon Ride Stellantis’s Robotaxis in Europe

Stellantis, a leading global automaker, has partnered with Chinese autonomous vehicle company Pony.ai to develop robotaxis for European cities. The collaboration, announced in early 2024, aims to introduce advanced self-driving taxi services across Europe, combining Stellantis’s automotive expertise with Pony.ai’s autonomous driving technology.

Key Features of the Robotaxi Service

• Technology: Utilizes Pony.ai’s artificial intelligence and sensor systems for safe navigation in urban areas.
• Driverless Operation: Operates without human drivers, relying on software to detect obstacles, pedestrians, and traffic signals.
• Affordability and Convenience: Offers competitively priced rides bookable via a smartphone app, supporting cashless payments and multilingual assistance.
• Eco-Friendly: Provides an environmentally conscious alternative to traditional taxis, contributing to reduced pollution.

Implementation and Impact

1. Testing Phase: Initial robotaxi tests will commence later in 2024 in select European cities.
2. Deployment Plans: Fleets will be deployed in major urban centers characterized by busy public transportation and limited parking.
3. Expected Benefits: Reduction in traffic congestion and pollution, enhanced road safety by minimizing human error, and improved mobility for those without personal vehicles.
4. Expansion: Gradual increase in robotaxi coverage dependent on test outcomes and regulatory approvals.

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares highlighted this partnership as a major milestone in mobility strategy, emphasizing the combination of automotive and autonomous expertise to lead urban transport innovation. Pony.ai CEO James Peng expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity, noting Europe’s distinct traffic challenges and the strong need for safe, reliable robotaxis.

This collaboration signals a significant advancement toward fully automated urban transport in Europe, promising to transform daily travel for millions.

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