Uber Technologies Inc.-backed (NYSE:UBER) Robotaxi operator Verne has announced it will be launching its services in Croatia’s Zagreb in collaboration with Pony AI Inc. (NASDAQ:PONY).

Verne Rolls Out Robotaxis In Croatia

The company began Europe’s first commercial Robotaxi service, deploying initial Robotaxis operating on Pony AI’s seventh-generation autonomous driving system, Verne said in a press release published on Wednesday. The Robotaxis will also initially feature onboard safety operators, but the company shared that it will “aim to transition to fully driverless operations as soon as possible,” pending regulatory approvals.

Verne is also targeting an expansion into 11 cities across the EU, UK and the Middle East, with plans to expand to a further 30 cities also being considered. Riders can book their rides via the Verne app, as well as the Uber app. The operator would offer its services in select areas of the Croatian capital and plans to expand its footprint across the entire city.

A Cybercab-Like Robotaxi?

The company also announced its plans to deploy a “purpose-built autonomous vehicle,” which will be a two-seater “designed specifically for driverless ride-hailing,” Verne said. The Verne Robotaxi utilizes a LiDAR-based approach in its self-driving suite. The company is a subsidiary of the Croatian electric performance automaker Rimac.

The proposed vehicle, which features no steering wheel or pedals, is reminiscent of the Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:TSLA) Cybercab in its function. The Cybercab, as CEO Elon Musk shared, would be available at a price of $30,000 or less and feature no steering wheel or pedals on offer.

Uber’s Self-Driving Push

The news comes as Uber has been aggressively pushing towards incorporating autonomous vehicles on its platform, with CEO Dara Khosrowshahi announcing that the ride-hailing giant was already in partnerships with 20 different companies working in the autonomous driving sector.

Uber partnered up with WeRide Inc. (NASDAQ:WRD) recently to launch its driverless Robotaxis in the UAE. It also has a partnership in place with Baidu Inc.‘s (NASDAQ:BIDU) Apollo Go as the companies prepare to launch Apollo Go Robotaxis in Dubai, as well as launching the service in London in a partnership with Uber, and its rival Lyft Inc. (NASDAQ:LYFT).

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Price Action: UBER surged 3.23% to $74.50 during Pre-Market trading on Wednesday.

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