Pony.ai Begins Testing Autonomous Vehicles in Tucson, Partners with PCC

Pony.ai Expands Autonomous Vehicle Testing to Tucson, Arizona

Tucson, Arizona is set to become a new hub for autonomous vehicle innovation as Pony.ai, a prominent player in the autonomous driving sector, announces the launch of its vehicle testing operations in the city. This strategic move marks Pony.ai’s first and exclusive presence in Arizona, highlighting the state’s growing allure as a center for autonomous technology.

Pony.ai is collaborating with Pima Community College, utilizing the facilities at the Automotive Technology & Innovation Center located on its Downtown campus for this venture. James Peng, Co-Founder and CEO of Pony.ai, expressed gratitude to local authorities for facilitating the expansion: Tucson is quickly becoming a leading city for tech startups and smart city technology, and Pony.ai is excited to expand our operations there.

Arizona’s appeal as a prime location for autonomous vehicle development is further echoed by Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, who stated, Arizona is the premier destination for autonomous vehicle innovation. This sentiment is shared by Joe Snell, President & CEO of Sun Corridor Inc., who recognizes the region’s emerging status in the autonomous vehicle industry.

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero welcomed the initiative, noting the city’s reputation as a center for innovation and technology: Our city is known as a hub for innovation and smart technologies, and now we have a unique opportunity to partner with Pony.ai to test new technologies that can help us create safer streets.

Pima Community College’s Chancellor, Lee Lambert, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the alignment with the college’s vision to be at the forefront of automotive technology. Meanwhile, Sharon Bronson, Chair of the Pima County Board of Supervisors, emphasized the potential benefits of Pony.ai’s operations, particularly for the county’s automotive workforce and mobility for underserved populations.

Pony.ai’s vehicles have already covered more than 9.3 million miles in autonomous testing and operations globally. The company’s presence in Southern Arizona is significant, as it pioneers passenger autonomous vehicle testing in the region. Pony.ai’s innovative efforts have earned it the 10th spot on the 2022 CNBC Disruptor List.

To learn more about Pony.ai and its pioneering work in autonomous vehicle technology, visit their website at pony.ai.

For further details on Arizona’s economic development initiatives, explore the Arizona Commerce Authority’s website at azcommerce.com and follow them on Twitter @azcommerce.