Pony.ai Inc. has entered into a partnership with Shenzhen Xihu Corporation Limited to deploy 1,000 robotaxis in the coming years, Asia Business Outlook reported.
The collaboration will adopt an ‘asset-light, AI-empowered’ model, combining Pony Ai’s advanced autonomous driving technology with Xihu’s extensive experience in managing taxi fleets. Together, they aim to set a new benchmark in smart urban mobility while generating mutual value for both parties.
The Chinese pioneer in autonomous mobility, Pony.ai Inc., has established a strategic partnership with Shenzhen Xihu Corporation Limited (Xihu Group) to mark a new milestone in the local mobility network. While Pony.ai is renowned for its large-scale commercialisation of autonomous driving technologies, Xihu Group stands as Shenzhen’s largest taxi operator. Officially announced by Pony.ai on 2 June 2025, the collaboration is expected to facilitate the integration of cutting-edge technological advancements into the city’s urban transport system.
The two companies plan to launch 1,000 of Pony.ai’s seventh-generation (Gen 7) robotaxis in Shenzhen over the coming years. This initiative represents a major development in the evolution of autonomous driving – introducing an ‘asset-light + AI-empowered’ model designed to deliver safe, efficient and intelligent mobility services to a broader passenger base across China’s tier-one cities.
Shenzhen Xihu Corporation Limited brings decades of experience in managing taxi fleets, with a strong understanding of local regulatory frameworks, high service standards and effective vehicle maintenance. When combined with Pony.ai’s state-of-the-art hardware and software, AI-powered order dispatch system and deep insight into passenger behaviour, this partnership is poised to drive the next wave of innovation in China’s robotaxi sector.
Looking ahead, this collaboration is likely to influence future mobility models in other metropolitan areas, encouraging sustainable transport and enhancing public trust in autonomous services. It also reflects China’s broader ambition to lead the global race in smart urban transport and AI-driven infrastructure.
