Pony AI Inc. and BAIC BJEV announced a new, deeper partnership on January 10 2026 that will accelerate the mass production, commercialization, and global deployment of autonomous robotaxi solutions. The two companies will jointly design and build purpose‑built robotaxi models, with a particular focus on the Arcfox Alpha T5, and will coordinate across the entire autonomous‑mobility value chain—from vehicle architecture and in‑cabin systems to fleet operations and maintenance.
Under the expanded agreement, the partners will leverage BAIC BJEV’s mature OEM‑grade supply chain to cut the bill of materials for the Gen‑7 autonomous‑driving kit by an estimated 70% compared with the previous generation. The partnership also includes a near‑RMB 1 billion investment in joint R&D and commercialization activities since 2024, and a commitment to share cost savings and technology advances that will lower long‑term operating costs for both parties.
The Arcfox Alpha T5 has already produced more than 600 units, with active commercial fleets in Beijing and Shenzhen. The joint plan is to roll the vehicle into European and Middle‑Eastern markets in the coming months, while Pony AI’s fleet is projected to grow from roughly 1,000 vehicles by the end of 2025 to over 3,000 by the end of 2026 as part of its global expansion strategy.
Pony AI’s IPO on the Nasdaq in November 2024 raised $260 million, and the company has secured additional funding from Toyota and Neom, positioning it for rapid scaling. BAIC BJEV remains a leading Chinese EV manufacturer, and its Arcfox brand occupies the mid‑to‑high‑end segment, giving the partnership a strong manufacturing foundation amid a regulatory environment that is increasingly supportive of L3 autonomous driving pilots in major Chinese cities.
Ning Zhang, Vice President of Pony AI, said the expanded partnership “reflects a shared commitment to move autonomous driving from technical readiness to large‑scale commercial reality.” Guofu Zhang, Chairman of BAIC BJEV, added that the collaboration “builds a more efficient and sustainable intelligent mobility ecosystem with global competitiveness.”
The partnership is expected to deliver significant cost efficiencies, accelerate time‑to‑market for robotaxi services, and position both companies to capture growing demand in China and abroad. By combining Pony AI’s advanced autonomous‑driving software with BAIC BJEV’s manufacturing scale and supply‑chain expertise, the alliance aims to reduce unit costs, improve service reliability, and expand the global footprint of robotaxi fleets, thereby strengthening competitive positioning in a rapidly evolving autonomous‑mobility market.
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