#Luxembourg #Autonomous Driving #Luxembourg City #Pony.ai

Pony.ai Europe Secures Testing Permit for Robotaxis in Luxembourg

Pony.ai Europe, the European arm of the pioneering autonomous driving company Pony.ai, has achieved a significant milestone by obtaining a scientific testing permit for Level 4 autonomous driving from Luxembourg's Ministry of Mobility and Public Works. This recent development was announced on April 3, 2025, and marks an important step in the company's efforts to expand its global testing capabilities, complementing existing permits in countries such as China, the United States, and South Korea.

The approval plays a crucial role in establishing Luxembourg as a pivotal hub for research, development, and deployment of self-driving technologies in Europe. With this initiative, Pony.ai aims to propel innovation within the field of autonomous vehicles, facilitating their integration into Luxembourg’s next-generation transportation network.

Yuriko Backes, Luxembourg's Minister for Mobility and Public Works, expressed enthusiasm about the testing permit, highlighting its potential to redefine future mobility. She stated that autonomous driving represents a groundbreaking innovation capable of transforming everyday life. The government is committed to fostering technological advancements that enhance safety and efficiency in transportation, supporting ventures like Pony.ai's endeavors.

Under the auspices of this newly granted permit, Pony.ai plans to initiate on-road testing in partnership with Emile Weber, a renowned mobility solutions provider in Luxembourg. This collaboration will leverage Emile Weber’s expertise in creating integrated mobility solutions encompassing public transit, private transport, and tourism services, ensuring a comprehensive approach to autonomous mobility deployment.

Dr. James Peng, co-founder and CEO of Pony.ai, remarked on the significance of this permit, stating that it reaffirms the company's commitment to positioning Luxembourg as a premier destination for autonomous mobility in Europe. He also emphasized that the partnership with Emile Weber will bolster the company’s efforts in technological advancement and operational excellence in the region.

Pony.ai Europe operates within a dynamic environment as an entity designed to drive the company’s autonomous technology initiatives across the European market. Its headquarters in Luxembourg positions the firm to capitalize on the nation’s supportive legislative landscape and innovative ecosystem. Being situated in this progressive location allows Pony.ai to amplify its research and development endeavors effectively.

Pony.ai, established in 2016, is a key player in the commercialization of autonomous driving solutions. It excels in providing a vehicle-agnostic Virtual Driver technology, a full-stack autonomous driving framework that seamlessly integrates proprietary software, hardware, and multiple services. This technology aims to create sustainable and commercially viable transport solutions across various applications.

The company has highlighted its rapid expansion, establishing a presence in diverse markets, including East Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond, ensuring access to its advanced technology. Notably, Pony.ai was among the first companies in China to receive regulatory approval for driverless vehicle operations in major cities, and it has initiated public-facing robotaxi services in urban settings such as Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, operating a robust fleet of over 250 vehicles. To date, the company has successfully covered nearly 25 million miles (40 million kilometers) on public roads globally.

In summary, Pony.ai Europe's recent acquisition of a testing permit in Luxembourg signifies a vital progression in autonomous driving technology. It not only enhances the company’s operational framework in Europe but also contributes to the broader objective of transforming urban mobility through safe and efficient transportation solutions.