Luxembourg has taken another step closer to becoming an autonomous driving hub after issuing a Level 4 autonomous driving testing permit for Pony.ai’s Robotaxis.
The China-based firm, which opened operations in Luxembourg in 2024, plans to test Hyundai Kona electric vehicles on public roads in the commune of Lenningen. A Pony.ai-trained safety operator will travel in test vehicles.
In a second stage, it will roll out tests in additional areas with the goal of rolling out a commercial robotaxi service once the regulatory environment allows for it.
The tests form part of a collaboration blending Pony.ai’s high-tech expertise with Emile Weber’s deep roots in transit solutions, ensuring a smooth integration into the region’s transportation ecosystem.
Dr. James Peng, Co-founder and CEO of Pony.ai, said: “Pony.ai is honored to be among the first companies awarded a permit for autonomous vehicle testing in Luxembourg. 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.”
“The issuance of the testing permit marks an important milestone for the future of mobility.”
The green light from Luxembourg’s ministry of mobility and public works aligns with the government’s ambitions to establish the country as a serious contender in the race for autonomous mobility leadership. It is hoped that the automobility campus in Bissen, which opened at the end of 2024, will serve as a magnet for other cutting-edge mobility firms like Pony.ai, to the benefit of the economy and the population who will use the innovative solutions being developed there.
Yuriko Backes, Luxembourg’s Minister for Mobility and Public Works, said: “The issuance of the testing permit marks an important milestone for the future of mobility. 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.”
Luxembourg is the fourth country in which Pony.ai has successfully obtained driverless testing licences, after China, the United States and South Korea. To date, across its worldwide fleet of over 250 autonomous vehicles, the company has logged nearly 40 million kilometres of road testing and cites safety as its “North Star” in all operating environments. Meanwhile, Pony.ai already operates public-facing Robotaxi services in major Chinese cities like Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.
