Uber Launches First European Autonomous Ride Service with Pony.ai

Key Facts

In a move reflecting the accelerating adoption of smart mobility in Europe, Uber has announced the launch of autonomous rides on its app in Zagreb, Croatia, marking its first such service on the continent. The service is launched in partnership with Verne and Pony AI, aiming to integrate advanced self-driving technology into Uber's global platform. According to reports, the service will feature a licensed operator on-board at launch to ensure safety and regulatory compliance.

This expansion comes as Uber seeks to strengthen its footprint in the autonomous vehicle (AV) market through strategic partnerships with tech leaders like Pony AI. Per market data, UBER shares closed at $74.66 on August 18, 2026, having traded between a day high of $77.28 and a day low of $74.63. This strategic shift highlights the company's ambition to diversify its service offerings and reduce long-term reliance on human drivers in international markets.

Investors are closely monitoring the success of this Zagreb pilot as a precursor to wider European expansion, with an eye on the stock level which stood at $74.66 (close August 18, 2026). Looking at the economic calendar, while no direct catalysts for Uber are scheduled in the immediate coming days, broader market sentiment remains influenced by recent data such as the US Producer Price Index as traders assess the outlook for the tech and growth sectors.