Uber backs Kalanick’s bid to acquire Pony AI’s US operations

Uber Technologies is in preliminary talks with founder Travis Kalanick to help fund his acquisition of the U.S. operations of Chinese autonomous vehicle company Pony AI, according to a New York Times report. The potential deal would see Kalanick running Pony AI’s American unit while continuing to lead his ghost kitchen company CloudKitchens, marking a significant return to the mobility sector for Uber’s controversial co-founder.

What you should know: The discussions remain in early stages with no financial details disclosed about the potential transaction.

• Kalanick would maintain dual leadership roles, overseeing both Pony AI’s U.S. arm and his current venture CloudKitchens if the deal materializes.
• Shares of both Uber and Pony AI jumped in Thursday trading following the news report.

Why this matters: The deal would represent a strategic re-entry into autonomous driving for Kalanick, who sold Uber’s self-driving unit to Aurora in 2020 for $4 billion after years of regulatory challenges and technical setbacks.

• Pony AI, which went public on the Nasdaq in November 2024, operates robotaxi services in China and has been testing autonomous vehicles in several U.S. cities.
• The acquisition would give Kalanick access to proven self-driving technology while potentially providing Uber with closer ties to a key player in the autonomous vehicle space.

The big picture: This potential partnership highlights the ongoing consolidation in the autonomous vehicle industry as companies seek to combine resources and expertise to achieve commercial viability.

• Chinese AV companies face increasing scrutiny over data security and potential restrictions on their U.S. operations, making partnerships with American entities increasingly valuable.
• For Uber, supporting Kalanick’s bid could provide strategic benefits without the direct regulatory complications of owning Chinese technology assets.