Toyota and Pony.ai Partner to Mass Produce Robotaxis in China

Toyota teams up with autonomous driving startup Pony.ai to manufacture self-driving taxis tailored for China.

Credits: REUTERS

The companies will establish a joint venture this year.

Toyota, Pony.ai and GAC Toyota will together invest over $140 million in the robotaxi venture. Pony.ai's autonomous tech and ride-hailing services will be utilised.

"This marks an important step for Toyota's evolution in China," said Toyota's China CEO Tatsuro Ueda.

Toyota has invested hundreds of millions in Pony.ai since 2019.

"The move supports the connected car industry," stated Pony.ai's CEO Peng Jun. China leads in developing self-driving cars. Pony.ai already operates robotaxis in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou.

Automakers have scaled back ambitious autonomous vehicle rollouts recently due to regulations.

Last month, Toyota accelerated developing “smart cockpits” tailored for China as part of its pivot to electric vehicles.

---

• Toyota partners with Pony.ai to produce robotaxis in China

• Companies will establish joint venture in 2023

• Over $140 million to be invested in the venture

• Utilises Pony.ai's autonomous tech and ride-hailing

Source: Reuters