Category Archives: News

News

Verne and Pony.ai Begin Driverless Robotaxi Testing on Zagreb’s Public Roads

Verne and Pony.ai have started testing fully autonomous robotaxis on public roads in Zagreb, marking a significant milestone for driverless transportation in Europe. The approximately 22-kilometer route between Buzin and Zagreb Airport is being used for testing without a safety operator behind the wheel, while Verne personnel monitor the vehicles remotely.

The move represents the next phase of Verne’s robotaxi project, which began in Zagreb in April with a human safety operator present in every vehicle. That requirement has now been removed from the test vehicles, allowing the cars to navigate and make driving decisions without a person capable of taking control from the driver’s seat.

For now, however, this is still a testing program rather than a commercial robotaxi service. Passengers cannot yet book these driverless rides through the Verne or Uber apps.

Zagreb Robotaxis Enter a New Phase

The latest tests are taking place on the route between Buzin and Zagreb Airport, covering approximately 22 kilometers. The vehicles operate autonomously, while Verne’s personnel supervise their movement remotely.

According to Verne and Pony.ai, the Zagreb project represents the first test of fully autonomous vehicles on public roads in Europe. The companies describe the removal of the safety operator as an important step toward a future in which robotaxis can operate without a human driver inside the vehicle.

The distinction is important. Autonomous driving technology has been tested in various forms for years, but removing the human safety driver introduces another level of operational and regulatory complexity. The vehicle must not only control steering, acceleration and braking, but also respond appropriately to traffic, road conditions and unexpected situations without immediate intervention from someone sitting behind the wheel.

Commercial Robotaxi Rides Are Still to Come

Although Verne’s vehicles have already been operating in Zagreb, the latest driverless runs remain strictly for testing purposes. The company has not yet commercialized the fully autonomous service, meaning members of the public cannot currently request these rides through the Verne or Uber applications.

Testing is expected to expand gradually over the coming months, eventually covering the area where Verne’s robotaxi service already operates.

The companies have not indicated that the removal of the safety operator means commercial availability is imminent. Instead, the latest development should be viewed as another stage in the process of validating the technology and preparing the service for broader use.

How Verne, Pony.ai and Uber Fit Into the Project

The Zagreb robotaxi project brings together three companies with different responsibilities.

  • Verne is responsible for organizing and operating the robotaxi service in Zagreb.
  • Pony.ai provides the autonomous driving technology.
  • Uber is the future distribution platform, with the robotaxi service expected to become available to users through its app.

The partnership gives Verne control over the local operation while allowing Pony.ai to deploy its autonomous driving technology in a European environment. For Uber, the project offers a potential way to integrate autonomous vehicles into its existing mobility platform.

Pony.ai also believes that the experience gained in Zagreb will support the company’s broader expansion into the European autonomous transportation market.

A More Practical Robotaxi Interior

Verne has also introduced changes to the vehicle’s interior as part of the latest phase of development.

The front passenger seat has been removed, creating additional space for luggage and allowing the installation of a large screen. Passengers will be able to control various functions of the vehicle through a touchscreen positioned between the rear seats.

That layout reflects a different approach to vehicle design. In a conventional car, the front cabin is built around a driver and a front passenger. In a robotaxi, the interior can instead prioritize rear-seat passengers, luggage capacity and access to digital controls.

The changes are particularly relevant for airport transportation, where passengers may be traveling with suitcases and may value a more spacious rear compartment.

More Than 200,000 Autonomous Kilometers in Zagreb

Verne says its vehicles have completed more than 200,000 autonomous kilometers since the service launched in April. The company reports that this distance was accumulated through several thousand rides with users.

The reported average passenger rating is 4.7 out of 5, while the service currently covers an area of more than 100 square kilometers.

Those figures provide an early indication of the project’s scale, although they should not be confused with proof that the system is ready for unrestricted commercial operation. Autonomous driving performance must also be assessed across different traffic conditions, weather, road layouts and operational scenarios.

Still, the accumulated mileage gives Verne and Pony.ai a substantial amount of real-world experience to draw on as testing expands.

How Zagreb Compares With Waymo and Tesla

Fully autonomous ride-hailing remains relatively uncommon worldwide. Waymo is one of the most established providers of commercial robotaxi rides, while Tesla has also begun offering robotaxi services in a limited number of locations.

Tesla’s initiative remains in its early stages and is geographically restricted, while Waymo has developed a more established commercial operation in selected markets.

Verne’s Zagreb project is different in that it is still progressing through the testing phase. Nevertheless, the removal of the safety operator places the project among the more notable European efforts to move autonomous transportation beyond supervised driving.

What Comes Next for Verne’s Robotaxis?

The next step will be to expand testing gradually across the area where Verne already operates. The company’s objective is to demonstrate that its vehicles can safely and reliably perform autonomous journeys without a human safety operator inside the cabin.

The transition is significant because it changes the operational model of the service. Instead of relying on a driver who can intervene immediately, Verne must depend on the vehicle’s autonomous driving system, remote monitoring and the procedures supporting the entire operation.

For passengers, the eventual promise is straightforward: a robotaxi that can be requested through an app, travel independently and provide a comfortable journey without a driver in the front seat.

For now, Zagreb remains a testing ground. But with Verne, Pony.ai and Uber working together, the city is becoming an important European location for the development of driverless mobility.

The removal of the safety operator is not the final destination—it is a major step toward it.

Source: Verne

News

Volvo Cars to Become Lynk & Co’s Exclusive European Distributor in 2027

Volvo Cars and Geely Auto have finalized a commercial partnership that will make Volvo Cars the exclusive distributor of Lynk & Co vehicles in Europe from January 2027. The agreement will bring Lynk & Co into Volvo’s established retail and service network, creating a broader sales and servicing opportunity for Volvo retailers while supporting Lynk & Co’s European expansion.

Volvo Cars and Geely Auto have completed the agreement for their previously announced commercial partnership involving Lynk & Co in Europe. Under the new arrangement, Volvo Cars will take responsibility for the brand’s commercial operations across the region, marking a significant change in how Lynk & Co will approach the European market.

The partnership is designed to combine Volvo Cars’ established commercial infrastructure with Lynk & Co’s distinctive product portfolio. Rather than building an entirely separate retail and service operation, Lynk & Co will gain access to Volvo Cars’ existing retailers and service network, creating a more scalable route to market.

Volvo Cars to Handle Lynk & Co Sales and Service in Europe

Beginning in January 2027, Volvo Cars will serve as the exclusive distributor of Lynk & Co vehicles in Europe. Its responsibilities will include the brand’s commercial operations, supported by Volvo Cars’ established network of retailers and service points.

For Volvo’s retail partners, the agreement is intended to create additional opportunities in both vehicle sales and aftersales servicing. Lynk & Co’s products will complement Volvo Cars’ lineup while maintaining a clear distinction between the two brands.

The strategy could allow Volvo retailers to reach a broader range of customers without diluting Volvo’s own brand identity. At the same time, Lynk & Co will benefit from a more extensive commercial footprint and improved customer access across Europe.

“This agreement enables Volvo Cars and our retail partners to reach more customers with a broader and differentiated portfolio of cars and through increased sales and service opportunities,” says Erik Severinson, Chief Commercial Officer at Volvo Cars.

Lynk & Co to Retain Its Brand Identity and Product Development

Although Volvo Cars will oversee Lynk & Co’s commercial operations in Europe, Lynk & Co will remain responsible for designing, developing, and certifying its global product portfolio as part of the Geely Auto Group.

That distinction is important. The partnership does not mean Lynk & Co is being absorbed into Volvo Cars. Instead, it establishes a new commercial structure while allowing Lynk & Co to preserve its core brand values of being trendy, vibrant, and personal.

Lynk & Co’s product development and global portfolio will continue under Geely Auto, while Volvo Cars will focus on bringing those vehicles to European customers through its established distribution infrastructure.

“This partnership brings together Volvo Cars’ established commercial infrastructure and Lynk & Co’s distinctive brand and product proposition. We will work closely with Volvo Cars to turn this partnership into sustainable long-term growth,” says Mo Wang, CEO of Lynk & Co International.

Martin Persson to Lead Lynk & Co Business at Volvo Cars

The Lynk & Co business within Volvo Cars will be led by Martin Persson, who will report directly to Chief Commercial Officer Erik Severinson.

His appointment places the new European commercial operation within Volvo Cars’ existing organizational structure and underlines the company’s intention to manage Lynk & Co as a dedicated brand with its own market positioning.

The partnership also builds on an existing relationship between the two companies. Volvo Cars and Lynk & Co are already represented through selected shared retail locations in Europe, meaning the agreement expands on an established collaboration rather than creating an entirely new connection.

A More Scalable European Strategy for Lynk & Co

For Lynk & Co, the agreement represents a strategic shift toward a more scalable retail model in Europe. By leveraging Volvo Cars’ European dealers and service points, the brand aims to accelerate its market expansion while improving access to customers.

The arrangement could also make it easier for Lynk & Co to expand its presence without having to develop a separate network of retail and aftersales facilities across every market.

For Volvo Cars, the partnership offers a complementary brand and additional commercial opportunities. For Lynk & Co, it provides access to an established European infrastructure while preserving control over its product identity and development.

The agreement therefore creates a structure in which both brands can pursue growth while maintaining clear differentiation. Its success will ultimately depend on how effectively Volvo Cars and Lynk & Co integrate their commercial operations, support retailers, and communicate the differences between their respective product offerings.

The Volvo Cars–Lynk & Co partnership will take effect in January 2027, with Volvo Cars assuming exclusive distribution responsibility for Lynk & Co vehicles in Europe.

Source: Volvo

News

Mate Rimac Takes Bugatti

After almost three decades under Volkswagen Group ownership, Bugatti has officially entered a new chapter. Porsche has completed the sale of its stake in Bugatti Rimac and the Rimac Group, formally ending the Volkswagen Group’s ownership connection with the legendary French hypercar manufacturer.

The transaction marks the end of one of the most significant chapters in modern Bugatti history. Volkswagen Group acquired the rights to the Bugatti name in 1998, and under its ownership the French marque evolved from a historic automotive name into one of the most recognizable and technologically ambitious hypercar manufacturers in the world.

Now, with Porsche completely out of Bugatti Rimac, Mate Rimac is taking a much more prominent role in the future of Bugatti.

Volkswagen Revived Bugatti in the 1990s

Bugatti’s modern revival began in 1998, when the Volkswagen Group, under then-CEO Ferdinand Piëch, acquired the rights to the historic French brand.

Piëch had ambitious plans for Bugatti. Volkswagen subsequently presented several dramatic concept cars as it explored how to return the marque to the top of the automotive world.

The result was the Bugatti Veyron.

When it arrived, the Veyron fundamentally changed expectations for what a production road car could achieve. Its quad-turbocharged 8.0-liter W16 engine, enormous power output and extraordinary engineering made it one of the defining performance cars of the 21st century.

The Veyron was eventually followed by the Bugatti Chiron, which pushed the formula even further and established Bugatti as one of the world’s ultimate hypercar manufacturers.

For Volkswagen, Bugatti had become much more than a historic name. It had become a technological showcase for the group.

The Birth of Bugatti Rimac

The next major change came in 2021.

Volkswagen Group decided to restructure its ownership of Bugatti, bringing Rimac into the picture. The resulting joint venture, Bugatti Rimac, gave Rimac a 55 percent stake, while Porsche retained the remaining 45 percent.

It was an unusual but potentially powerful combination.

On one side was Bugatti, a brand synonymous with extreme luxury, mechanical engineering and record-breaking internal-combustion engines. On the other was Rimac, a company that had established itself as a leader in high-performance electric powertrains, batteries and advanced vehicle technology.

Porsche played a central role in the arrangement through its ownership position in the Volkswagen Group structure.

Five years later, that relationship has now come to an end.

Porsche Completes Its Exit From Bugatti Rimac

In April 2026, Porsche announced that a consortium led by HOF Capital had agreed to acquire its stake in Bugatti Rimac. Following the necessary regulatory approvals, the transaction has now been completed.

Porsche has sold both its stake in Bugatti Rimac and its 21 percent stake in the Rimac Group.

According to Porsche, the transactions will generate proceeds of approximately €1 billion. Around €250 million of that amount will be used to further finance pension obligations and improve the company’s net cash flow margin.

While Porsche is now leaving the ownership structure, the relationship with Rimac has already produced tangible technology for one of its most important products.

The Porsche 911 GTS T-Hybrid uses a battery supplied by Rimac, demonstrating that the collaboration was about more than simply ownership structures and corporate transactions.

Mate Rimac Takes Over as Bugatti President

The completion of the deal also brings significant changes to Bugatti’s management structure.

Mate Rimac, founder of Rimac, will become President of Bugatti Automobiles. He replaces Christophe Piochon, who is stepping down from his positions as President of Bugatti Automobiles and Chief Operating Officer of Bugatti Rimac.

The move gives Rimac even greater influence over the future direction of Bugatti.

Marko Brkljacic, formerly Chief Operating Officer of Rimac Technology, will join the Bugatti Rimac management team as Chief Operating Officer.

Meanwhile, current Bugatti Automobiles CEO Hendrik Malinowski will move into the role of Chief Commercial Officer.

The changes suggest that Bugatti and Rimac are entering a new phase in which the relationship between the two companies will become increasingly integrated, while Bugatti itself remains focused on maintaining its unique identity.

The Bugatti Tourbillon Is the First Car of the Rimac Era

The first major product to emerge from the Bugatti Rimac era is the Bugatti Tourbillon.

It is an important car for the brand for several reasons.

The Tourbillon represents Bugatti’s first electrified production model, combining a high-performance internal-combustion engine with an electric powertrain. It is therefore a significant technological departure from the Veyron and Chiron, while still following Bugatti’s traditional philosophy of combining extreme performance with luxury and engineering sophistication.

Before the Tourbillon was revealed, there was considerable speculation that the successor to the Chiron could become a fully electric hypercar.

Given Rimac’s expertise in electric vehicles, the assumption seemed logical.

But Mate Rimac and his team took a different approach.

Rather than turning Bugatti into another electric-only hypercar manufacturer, the company chose a plug-in hybrid powertrain. The decision allowed Bugatti to embrace electrification without abandoning the combustion engine that has been central to the brand’s identity for decades.

That strategy was not entirely unexpected.

When the Bugatti Rimac joint venture was created in 2021, Mate Rimac identified a plug-in hybrid hypercar as one of the objectives within his ten-year vision for Bugatti.

The Tourbillon is the result of that philosophy.

Bugatti Refuses to Abandon the Combustion Engine

The Tourbillon is particularly significant because it demonstrates that electrification does not necessarily mean the end of the internal-combustion engine at the highest level of performance.

Instead, Bugatti has used hybrid technology to enhance its traditional formula.

That distinction matters.

Rimac has demonstrated what is possible with fully electric hypercars, but Bugatti occupies a different position in the automotive world. Its customers expect not only breathtaking acceleration but also mechanical theatre, craftsmanship, exclusivity and a sense of occasion.

The Tourbillon attempts to combine those characteristics with modern electrification.

It is effectively Bugatti’s answer to the question of how a hypercar brand built around enormous combustion engines can move into the electric age without losing its identity.

A New Home for the Tourbillon in Molsheim

The Tourbillon also represents an important milestone for Bugatti’s manufacturing operation.

The brand’s new La Manufacture production facility in Molsheim was created specifically to support the next generation of Bugatti vehicles.

The facility represents a significant investment in the future of the brand and reinforces Bugatti’s commitment to producing its cars in Molsheim, the historic home of the company.

For Bugatti, this is about more than constructing a new factory. It is about combining traditional French craftsmanship with the increasingly sophisticated technology required to build modern hybrid hypercars.

That combination is central to Bugatti’s identity.

What Happens to Bugatti Now?

The end of Volkswagen Group ownership does not mean Bugatti is becoming a conventional Rimac product.

In fact, the opposite may be true.

Bugatti and Rimac have always represented two very different approaches to performance. Rimac’s expertise lies heavily in electric propulsion, batteries, software and advanced vehicle technology, while Bugatti’s appeal is built around luxury, exclusivity, craftsmanship and mechanical engineering.

The challenge for Mate Rimac will be maintaining that distinction while taking advantage of the technology and expertise available through the wider Rimac organization.

The Tourbillon suggests that the company already has a clear philosophy.

Bugatti will embrace electrification, but it will do so on its own terms.

The End of a 28-Year Volkswagen Chapter

Volkswagen’s involvement with Bugatti began in 1998 with Ferdinand Piëch’s ambitious plan to revive one of the world’s greatest automotive names.

It produced the Veyron, one of the most influential performance cars ever built, followed by the Chiron and an entire generation of Bugatti models that transformed the brand into a symbol of automotive excess and engineering ambition.

The 2021 creation of Bugatti Rimac represented another turning point.

Now, with Porsche’s stake sold and the transaction completed, the Volkswagen era has officially ended.

Bugatti is entering its next chapter under much stronger Rimac influence, with Mate Rimac moving into the role of President of Bugatti Automobiles.

The Tourbillon is the first major statement of that new era. It combines a combustion engine with electric assistance, traditional Bugatti craftsmanship with cutting-edge technology, and the heritage of Molsheim with the engineering expertise of Rimac.

The biggest question now is not whether Bugatti will change.

It is how far Mate Rimac will take it.

For a company that has already produced the Veyron and Chiron, expectations could hardly be higher.

Source: Bugatti