Chinese autonomous driving firm Pony.ai is planning to launch robotaxi services in Hong Kong, reported Reuters.
The move forms part of the firm’s efforts to expand its autonomous driving business globally.
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Pony.ai’s global expansion plan includes potential deployments in South Korea, Luxembourg, the Middle East, and additional countries.
Initially, Pony.ai intends to provide commuting services for staff at Hong Kong International Airport. It plans to extend its reach into other urban areas of the city.
The firm already secured licences for robotaxi service in several major Chinese cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.
Last year, Pony.ai collaborated with Toyota China and GAC Toyota to establish Zhuifeng Intelligent Tech (Guangzhou) Co.
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By GlobalDataFormed in April 2024, this joint venture boasts a combined investment of over 1bn yuan ($136.58m) and aims to increase the production and deployment of Level 4 robotaxis.
The JV is currently advancing the joint development and production planning of its inaugural bZ4X-based robotaxi model. The first phase of deployment will see a fleet of a thousand bZ4X robotaxis providing fully driverless mobility services in Tier-1 cities across China.
China-based artificial intelligence (AI) firm Baidu is also preparing to launch its driverless taxi service in Hong Kong following the government’s first pilot licence for autonomous vehicle (AV) for trials in North Lantau in November.
Last week, Beijing introduced new regulations to encourage the adoption of autonomous driving technology.
These regulations, which will take effect on 1 April 2025, are expected to facilitate the operation of driverless public buses and taxis in the capital.
Passed by the Standing Committee of Beijing Municipal People’s Congress, the framework encompasses infrastructure planning, traffic management, and safety assurance for vehicles with Level 3 and higher autonomous systems.
