Uber turns to Chinese companies to snap up robotaxi market share in Europe, Middle East

Core Insights - Uber is expanding its global presence in the robotaxi sector through partnerships with Chinese autonomous vehicle companies, including Pony AI, Momenta, and WeRide [1][2][3] Group 1: Partnerships and Expansion - Uber's partnership with Pony AI aims to launch robotaxis on its platform in a key Middle Eastern market later this year [1] - The collaboration with Momenta will facilitate the launch of robotaxis in Europe by 2026, while WeRide will help expand Uber's services into 15 cities across the Middle East and Europe over the next five years [2] - These new partnerships add to Uber's existing network of over 15 autonomous vehicle collaborations, which primarily include U.S.-based companies like Waymo and May Mobility [3] Group 2: Market Context and Competition - Uber is responding to competitive pressures from companies like Tesla, which is set to launch its robotaxi service in Austin next month, and is also addressing federal probes regarding its subscription practices [4] - Collaborating with Chinese AV firms is seen as a strategic move to leverage their international expansion efforts, as companies like WeRide and Pony are already operating in multiple markets [5][8] Group 3: Operational Details - The initial phase of the robotaxi service will include safety operators in the vehicles until a full commercial launch is achieved [9] - Uber's strong presence in the Middle East, bolstered by its acquisition of Careem in 2019, positions it well for further growth in the region [8]