Luxembourg’s Ministry of Mobility & Public Works has granted Chinese firm Pony AI a scientific testing permit for level-four autonomous driving.

This authorisation expands Pony AI’s global testing portfolio, building on existing permits in China, USA and South Korea, and it follows the company establishing Luxembourg as a European hub for research, development and deployment. The initiative aims to accelerate autonomous driving innovation and integrate self-driving technologies into the country’s transportation network.

“The issuance of the testing permit marks an important milestone for the future of mobility,” said Yuriko Backes, Luxembourg’s minister for mobility and public works. “Autonomous driving is a major innovation that can transform our daily lives. The government is pleased to support companies like Pony.ai in their quest for new technologies and is committed to supporting initiatives that aim to make mobility safer and more efficient.”

Under the permit, Pony AI will commence on-road testing in collaboration with Emile Weber (www.emile-weber.lu), Luxembourg’s premier mobility provider. The collaboration leverages Emile Weber’s expertise in delivering integrated mobility across public transit, private transportation and tourism sectors.

“Pony AI is honoured to be among the first companies awarded a permit for autonomous vehicle testing in Luxembourg,” said James Peng, CEO of Pony AI. “Establishing our European hub in Luxembourg reinforces our commitment to making it the leading destination for autonomous mobility in Europe. This commitment is further strengthened through our partnership with Emile Weber, one of the region’s most respected transportation providers.”

Founded in 2016, Pony AI (Pony.ai) has expanded its presence across China, Europe, east Asia, the Middle East and other regions. It is among the first to obtain licences to operate fully driverless vehicles in all four tier-one cities in China (Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai and Shenzhen) and has begun to offer public-facing, fare-charging robotaxi services without safety drivers in Beijing, Guangzhou and Shenzhen. The company operates a fleet of more than 250 robotaxis and has driven nearly 40 million kilometres on open roads worldwide.