Pony.ai's Level 4 Robotaxi Testing Begins in Luxembourg

Pony.ai Receives Luxembourg Permit for Level 4 Robotaxi Testing

Pony.ai Inc., a global leader in autonomous mobility, has announced that it has been granted a permit by Luxembourg's Ministry of Mobility and Public Works to begin testing its Level 4 (L4) robotaxis. This marks a significant milestone for the company, as it sets the stage for the deployment of autonomous vehicles in one of Europe’s most innovation-driven regions.

The Luxembourg-based initiative is part of Pony.ai’s broader strategy to expand its autonomous vehicle testing across various international markets. With its new research and testing hub established in Luxembourg, Pony.ai becomes the first autonomous vehicle company to set up such an operation in the country, underscoring the company's commitment to global growth and innovation.

Pony.ai's partnership with Emile Weber, Luxembourg’s leading mobility solutions provider, will play a central role in the company’s testing efforts. Emile Weber is renowned for its expertise in a wide range of transport services, including public and private transit, taxis, vehicle rentals, and tourism. The collaboration will allow Pony.ai to leverage local knowledge while integrating its cutting-edge autonomous technology into Luxembourg’s transportation ecosystem.

Dr. James Peng, Co-founder and CEO of Pony.ai, expressed the company’s enthusiasm for its new venture in Luxembourg:

"Pony.ai is honored to be among the first companies awarded a permit for autonomous vehicle testing in Luxembourg. The country offers an ideal environment for our European operations due to its central location, supportive regulatory framework, and commitment to innovation in mobility. Our partnership with Emile Weber provides valuable local expertise as we begin testing our technology in European conditions. We thank Luxembourg’s Ministry of Mobility and Public Works for their confidence in our technology, and look forward to a collaborative and productive partnership as we work to integrate autonomous solutions into Luxembourg’s future transportation ecosystem."

The announcement also received praise from Luxembourg's Minister for Mobility and Public Works, Yuriko Backes, who emphasized the importance of the testing permit:

"The issuance of the testing permit marks an important milestone for the future of mobility. Autonomous driving is a major innovation that can transform our daily lives. The government is pleased to support companies like Pony.ai in their quest for new technologies and is committed to supporting initiatives that aim to make mobility safer and more efficient."

Pony.ai’s permit in Luxembourg builds upon its already-established presence in China, the United States, and South Korea. The company's aggressive global expansion strategy aims to bring autonomous vehicle technology to multiple markets, with Luxembourg serving as a key hub for research and development in Europe.

In 2024, Pony.ai made significant strides in establishing its European presence. In March of that year, the company signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Luxembourg government, marking the beginning of a partnership to explore the development of autonomous mobility solutions. This agreement was followed by the establishment of Pony.ai’s European division and hub in Luxembourg in September, providing a solid foundation for the company’s R&D activities in the region.

Further building on this momentum, Pony.ai entered into a partnership with Emile Weber in October 2024 to conduct joint research and development on autonomous vehicle solutions. The partnership is focused on creating new mobility models that leverage autonomous technologies, such as self-driving taxis and vehicle rentals, to enhance transportation services for both private and business customers in Luxembourg.

Pony.ai’s commitment to innovation is reflected in its approach to autonomous vehicle technology. The company’s Virtual Driver system, a vehicle-agnostic, full-stack autonomous driving technology, combines proprietary software, hardware, and services to enable the mass production and deployment of self-driving vehicles. With a strong foothold in China, Europe, and East Asia, Pony.ai is well-positioned to push the boundaries of autonomous mobility across the globe.

As the company continues to develop autonomous solutions, the testing in Luxembourg represents an important step toward integrating these vehicles into everyday life. The collaboration with Emile Weber and Luxembourg’s supportive regulatory environment will allow Pony.ai to refine its technology and demonstrate the potential of autonomous mobility for both public and private transport use cases.