Pony.ai has been a leader in the development of self-driving cars and has launched robotaxi services in several Chinese cities. Toyota has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in Pony.ai since their partnership began in 2019. The move is expected to support the development of the connected car industry.
Key takeaways:
- Toyota and Pony.ai are planning to mass produce robotaxis in China, setting up a venture this year which will build cars that employ the startup's autonomous driving technology and ride-hailing services.
- The two companies and GAC-Toyota will invest more than 1 billion yuan ($140 million) combined in the venture, according to a statement by Pony.ai.
- Pony.ai has launched robotaxi services in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen and Guangzhou, and has offices in the United States.
- Toyota announced last month that it plans to accelerate the local design and development of "smart cockpits" to meet the needs of the Chinese market, as part of a broader pivot to electric vehicles.