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Pony.ai has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by securing the first permit to operate paid fully driverless robotaxis in Shenzhen’s Nanshan District, a bustling economic hub. This development, announced on March 27, marks Shenzhen’s initial step toward paid autonomous ride-hailing services in its city centers. Pony.ai is expanding its operations to connect Nanshan with Baoan District, establishing the city’s first cross-district driverless network. This enhances connectivity between key tech hubs, business areas, and transport centers like Shenzhen Baoan International Airport. With proven technology adept at navigating Shenzhen’s challenging urban landscape, Pony.ai reinforces its leadership in autonomous mobility across China’s tier-1 cities, paving the way for widespread adoption of driverless transportation.
Key Highlights:
- First permit for paid fully-driverless robotaxis in Shenzhen’s Nanshan District
- Expansion linking Nanshan and Baoan, two of Shenzhen’s most vibrant areas
- Nanshan District: GDP nearing RMB1 trillion in 2024, population near 2 million
- Baoan District: Over 4 million residents, home to Shenzhen Baoan International Airport
- Cross-district network connecting tech hubs, businesses, and transport hubs
- Technology excels in complex urban environments
- Daily service from 7:30 AM to 10:00 PM, bookable via Pony.ai app or WeChat
Nanshan District, with its economic might and population exceeding cities like San Francisco, is a prime location for smart mobility. Meanwhile, Baoan District’s scale and infrastructure, including the international airport, amplify the network’s impact. Pony.ai’s systems tackle Shenzhen’s tough conditions—dense traffic, tunnels, and irregular roads—demonstrating reliability and maturity. Building on success in Beijing and Guangzhou, where its robotaxis averaged 15 daily paid rides per vehicle in early 2024, Pony.ai has logged nearly 45 million kilometers in autonomous testing, including 5 million driverless kilometers.
CEO James Peng noted, “Expanding to Shenzhen’s city centers accelerates public trust in driverless technology.” Residents can access this all-weather service daily, reinforcing Pony.ai’s vision of integrating autonomous vehicles into everyday life while leading global innovation in the field.
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