Uber Invests in Croatian Robotaxi Operator Verne, Confirmed by Its CEO

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Uber, Verne and Pony.ai announced a deal in March 2026 to bring robotaxis to Europe, with Pony.ai supplying the driving technology and Verne owning and operating the vehicles. Europe's first commercial robotaxi service launched in Zagreb in April 2026 through Verne's own app, and rides were later added to Uber's app with a licensed operator on board. Driverless test rides to the airport began in September, while commercial service still kept an operator present. In October, Verne's chief executive confirmed that Uber had invested in the company, though the size of the stake was not disclosed. The article's author argues that the arrangement raises questions about how aggregators may gain influence over operators who depend on them, citing earlier Uber acquisitions in the taxi sector.

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