Uber (UBER) Stock Dips Despite Launching Europe’s Inaugural Autonomous Taxi Service in Croatia

Key Highlights Europe’s inaugural commercial autonomous taxi service debuts in Zagreb, Croatia, through a collaboration between Uber, Pony.ai, and Verne. Road trials are underway utilizing Pony.ai’s seventh-generation autonomous technology integrated into the Arcfox Alpha T5 Robotaxi platform. Verne takes ownership of fleet operations and spearheads regulatory compliance across Europe, with Uber incorporating the service into its existing ecosystem. As part of the agreement, Uber commits capital investment in Verne, establishing a strategic alliance. Pony.ai shares plummeted 12.2% to $10.00 on Thursday following disappointing fourth-quarter profit margin performance. Uber Technologies has revealed plans to introduce Europe’s inaugural commercial autonomous taxi operation in Zagreb, Croatia’s capital. This groundbreaking initiative represents a tripartite collaboration involving Uber, China-based autonomous technology provider Pony.ai, and Croatian mobility startup Verne. $UBER and Pony AI are preparing to launch robotaxis in Croatia, which could make it the first European country with a fare-charging self-driving cab service. pic.twitter.com/XMhApX9Shk — Polymarket Money (@PolymarketMoney) March 26, 2026 Verne — taking its name from renowned French science fiction author Jules Verne — assumes responsibility for fleet ownership and operational management. The company will spearhead European regulatory navigation and coordinate service deployment through both its proprietary application and Uber’s established platform. Pony.ai provides the technological foundation. The company’s seventh-generation autonomous driving platform will enable the service, operating within the Arcfox Alpha T5 Robotaxi — a vehicle manufactured by Chinese automotive company BAIC incorporating Huawei’s technological systems. Real-world testing throughout Zagreb has commenced, with revenue-generating passenger services anticipated to launch imminently. Uber plans to incorporate this autonomou...