Uber Launches Autonomous Rides in Europe
Business Wire•19/08/2026•14:14 ET
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Key Highlights
- ➤Uber (UBER) launches autonomous rides in Zagreb, first European AV bookings through Uber.
- ➤Pony.ai (PONY) powers autonomous driving; Verne owns the fleet and operates the service.
- ➤Licensed operator remains onboard behind the wheel at launch; fully driverless operations planned later.
- ➤Zagreb coverage includes key areas, including the city centre; geographic availability will expand over time.
- ➤Riders access AVs by requesting UberX or Comfort; app provides vehicle details and trip instructions.
- ➤Partnership moves from development and testing to real-world Uber deployment following its March announcement.
- ➤Additional European city launches are planned, with next markets to be announced later this year.
- ➤Verne completed thousands of autonomous rides since launching Zagreb’s commercial robotaxi service in April 2026.
Expert Statements
Annie Duvnjak, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility Operations at Uber
“Today marks a major milestone for autonomous mobility in Europe”
Annie Duvnjak, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility Operations at Uber
“By bringing together Pony.ai’s proven autonomous-driving technology, Verne’s operational expertise and Uber’s global platform, we’re making it simple for riders to access autonomous rides through the Uber app.”
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.”
Marko Pejkovic, CEO of Verne
“Verne launched Europe’s first commercial robotaxi service in Zagreb in April. Since then, we have completed thousands of autonomous rides, operating every day and learning from real customers in a real European city. From today, Verne rides are also available through Uber, giving customers another way to access the service. This marks another European first — the first time autonomous rides are available through Uber in Europe.”
Marko Pejkovic, CEO of Verne
“This is an important milestone not only for Verne, but also for Croatia. A service pioneered here in Zagreb is now available through the world’s largest mobility platform. The experience we are gaining every day in Zagreb will help us bring Verne to other European cities.”
Dr. James Peng, Founder and CEO of Pony.ai
“Bringing Zagreb’s Robotaxi service onto the Uber platform is an important next step in making autonomous mobility more accessible to riders”
Dr. James Peng, Founder and CEO of Pony.ai
“This milestone is also a strong example of the joint deployment model in action, bringing together Pony.ai’s Gen-7 Robotaxi technology, Verne’s local operating capabilities and Uber’s platform and rider reach to create a viable path for scaling autonomous mobility. We look forward to expanding the service in Zagreb and progressing toward fully driverless operations.”
Riders in Zagreb become the first in Europe to book an AV through Uber, powered by Pony.ai and operated by Verne.
Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: UBER), Verne and Pony AI Inc. (“Pony.ai”) (NASDAQ: PONY; HKEX: 2026) today announced the launch of autonomous rides on the Uber app in Zagreb, marking the first time riders in Europe can book an AV with Uber.
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