Uber launches autonomous rides in Europe for first time, starting in Zagreb

Uber Technologies ↗ 4.53%, Pony.ai ↗ 1.10%, and Croatian startup Verne launched autonomous rides in Zagreb on Wednesday, making the Croatian capital the first European city where riders can book a self-driving vehicle through the Uber app.businesswire

The service is available in key areas of Zagreb, including the city centre. A licensed operator will sit behind the wheel during the initial phase as the companies work toward fully driverless operations. Riders can request the service through UberX or Comfort, and when an autonomous vehicle is available, the app provides vehicle information and trip instructions.businesswire

How the Partnership Works

The three-way arrangement divides responsibilities: Pony.ai supplies its Gen-7 autonomous driving technology, Verne owns and operates the fleet, and Uber integrates the service into its ride-hailing platform. The launch builds on a partnership the companies announced in March and moves the collaboration from development and testing to real-world deployment.businesswire

"Today marks a major milestone for autonomous mobility in Europe," said Annie Duvnjak, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility Operations at Uber. "Zagreb is an important first step as we work to bring AVs to millions of riders and build the world's largest platform for AV deployment".businesswire

Verne CEO Marko Pejkovic noted that his company launched Europe's first commercial robotaxi service in Zagreb in April and has since completed thousands of autonomous rides. "A service pioneered here in Zagreb is now available through the world's largest mobility platform," he said.businesswire

Scaling Across Europe

Zagreb serves as a model the companies plan to replicate in additional European cities, with further market announcements expected later this year. Earlier this month, Pony.ai and Uber announced an expanded partnership to deploy more than 2,000 robotaxis across five European cities.marketscreener+1

The Zagreb launch is part of a broader push by Uber into autonomous and aerial delivery. On Sunday, Uber and Zipline announced a partnership to scale drone delivery across the United States through Uber Eats, with initial deployments set to begin later this year. Uber has said it expects autonomous vehicles and human drivers to coexist for the foreseeable future, with AVs expanding transport options rather than replacing drivers.businesswire+1