Core Insights - Pony.ai has received Shenzhen's first citywide permit for fully driverless commercial robotaxi operations, marking a significant step towards scalable autonomous mobility in one of China's most innovative cities [1][2]. Group 1: Permit and Operations - The permit allows Pony.ai and Shenzhen Xihu Corporation Limited to operate fully driverless robotaxis throughout Shenzhen, starting in the Nanshan, Qianhai, and Baoan areas, with plans for gradual expansion [2]. - Shenzhen is a major metropolitan area with a population of 17.8 million, larger than New York City, and is recognized as "China's Silicon Valley," highlighting the city's strong commercial potential for autonomous operations [3]. Group 2: Strategic Partnership - Pony.ai and Xihu Group formed a strategic partnership in June 2025, aiming to deploy over 1,000 units of Pony.ai's seventh-generation robotaxis in Shenzhen in the coming years [4]. - The partnership operates under an "asset-light + AI-empowered" model, where Xihu Group leverages its fleet management experience while Pony.ai focuses on AI technology and robotaxi dispatch operations, creating a synergistic collaboration [5]. Group 3: Company Achievements - Pony.ai has conducted over 55 million kilometers of autonomous testing globally and is the only company authorized for fully driverless commercial robotaxi services in all four of China's Tier-1 cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen [6]. - The company currently operates a fleet of over 720 robotaxis, with plans to expand to 1,000 by the end of the year [6].
Pony.ai Granted Shenzhen's First Citywide Permit for Fully Driverless Commercial Robotaxi Operations