Pony.ai teams up with Tencent for robotaxi services on WeChat, other apps

A Pony.ai autonomous car.

Pony.ai

Chinese start-up Pony.ai announced a new partnership with Tencent Cloud to develop autonomous driving technology and provide robotaxi services through Tencent’s popular WeChat platform. The collaboration will involve cloud services, map data, information security, and intelligent cockpit ecosystems.

Pony.ai CEO James Peng expressed excitement about the integration of robotaxi ride-hailing services within WeChat, citing Tencent’s vast user base and cloud capabilities as key drivers for the partnership’s success.

The strategic alliance aims to enhance both companies’ technologies and resources, with a focus on collaborative innovation in the autonomous driving space.

Furthermore, the partnership will see joint efforts in developing L4-level autonomous driving for robotaxis, allowing for greater autonomy and safety in designated areas.

Pony.ai recently unveiled its seventh-generation robotaxi solution at the Shanghai Auto Show, leading to a surge in the company’s stock value.

While Pony.ai continues to expand its presence in China’s autonomous driving market, potential trade tensions between China and the U.S. could impact its growth plans. The company is reportedly considering a secondary listing outside the U.S. amid concerns over potential delisting of Chinese firms from American stock exchanges.

Overall, the partnership between Pony.ai and Tencent Cloud represents a significant step towards advancing autonomous driving technology and services in China.