Toyota y Pony colaboran para establecer una empresa conjunta robotaxi en China

Toyota, el famoso gigante automático japonés, se está asociando con Pony.ai, una startup de conducción autónoma china, Para realizar una inversión significativa de más de RMB 1 mil millones en el establecimiento de una empresa conjunta. The primary focus of this collaboration is to launch robotaxi cars based on Toyota’s all-electric vehicles in China.

The agreement was signed between Toyota, Pony.ai, and GAC-Toyota, con la intención de establecer la empresa conjunta dentro del año, Según el último comunicado de prensa.

El objetivo principal de la empresa conjunta es implementar vehículos robotaxi, utilizing Toyota-branded all-electric vehicles manufactured by GAC-Toyota. These robotaxis will incorporate Toyota’s T-Pilot driver-assistance system, Equipado con las PCS (Sistema de seguridad previo a la colisión) característica.

Leveraging Toyota’s TPS (Toyota Production System) and GAC-Toyota’s dealership network, La empresa conjunta tiene como objetivo avanzar en la tecnología de conducción autónoma totalmente no tripulada de Pony..

Toyota y Pony.ai inició una asociación estratégica en 2019 to jointly promote high-level autonomous vehicle development for mobile mobility services in the Mercado chino.

Pony.ai’s platform has already deployed around 200 robotaxis in Beijing, Cantón, Shenzhen, y Shanghai, with models inspired by the Lexus RX450h and Toyota Sienna. Pony.ai has secured licenses for fully unmanned autonomous driving trials in Beijing and Guangzhou.

Apart from accelerating the commercial application of advanced autonomous driving technology, Toyota is also exploring the mass production of robotaxi vehicles through this joint venture.

Pony.ai, established in late 2016, operates research and development centers in Silicon Valley, Cantón, Beijing, y Shanghai, and has successfully launched robotaxi services.

Nio Capital, entre otros, has previously invested in Pony.ai during fundraising rounds, showcasing the growing interest in the startup’s potential. Toyota, por ejemplo, invested $400 million in the company in February 2020.

With various licenses acquired in Beijing, Cantón, and Shenzhen, Pony.ai has been steadily expanding its unmanned robotaxi services within designated areas.

The collaboration between Toyota and Pony.ai aims to bring cutting-edge autonomous driving technology to the Chinese market and shape the future of robotaxi services.