Uber and Momenta, a leading Chinese autonomous driving technology company, have announced a significant partnership to bring autonomous ride-sharing to Europe. The service, slated to launch in Munich, Germany, in 2026, will leverage Momenta’s sophisticated self-driving technology integrated with Uber’s established ride-sharing platform. The selection of Munich as the initial launch city is strategic, capitalizing on the city’s renowned engineering heritage, robust automotive industry, and proactive approach to technological innovation.
Initially, the service will operate with safety drivers onboard for added precaution and compliance with regulations. However, the long-term goal is to expand operations within designated “geofenced zones” where driverless operation will be permitted. This necessitates securing the necessary certifications and approvals from German authorities before fully autonomous operation can commence. Momenta’s existing experience, including successful testing since 2018 and the upcoming commercial launch in Shanghai in 2024, positions them strongly for this European venture.
This collaboration signifies a strategic shift for Uber, which previously pursued in-house development of self-driving technology before abandoning the effort in 2020. Since then, Uber has adopted a partnership model, collaborating with various autonomous vehicle companies globally. This includes partnerships in the Middle East with WeRide, Pony.AI, and Momenta, as well as a deal with Wayve in London and a project with Volkswagen in Los Angeles. The Munich initiative represents a significant expansion of Uber’s autonomous ride-sharing ambitions into the European market.
The European autonomous vehicle market is developing more gradually compared to the US and China. Still, companies like Baidu and WeRide have already made inroads, launching pilot programs in Switzerland and France. Uber’s partnership with Momenta in Munich positions them to compete effectively in this growing market, potentially paving the way for future expansion across other European cities. The success of this venture will be crucial in shaping the future of autonomous ride-sharing across the continent.
