Tucson Standard

Pony.ai, a maker of self-driving cars, has announced that it plans to partner with Pima Community College (PCC) and begin testing its autonomous vehicles in Tucson with trained safety drivers behind the wheel of the vehicles.

As announced Sept. 22, the company will base its operations at the new Automotive Technology & Innovation Center at PCC, its first and only location in Arizona, according to a release from the company.

“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,” said Tucson Mayor Regina Romero in the release.

Pony.ai officials also expressed their excitement.

“Tucson is quickly becoming a leading city for tech startups and smart city technology, and Pony.ai is excited to expand our operations there," James Peng, Pony.ai’s co-founder and CEO, said in the release. "We want to thank Mayor Romero, the City of Tucson, Sun Corridor, ADOT, and others who made our expansion to Tucson so seamless.”

Sharon Bronson, chairperson of the Pima County Board of Supervisors, pointed out the innovative nature of the partnership.

“Pony.ai is the first company in Southern Arizona to launch passenger AV testing. Pima County’s highly skilled automotive workforce, as well as expertise built with TuSimple and others, will greatly benefit Pony.ai in this launch and future expansions,” Bronson said in the release. “We’re also excited to see that Pony.ai’s technology vision will include enhanced mobility for underserved populations by providing more reliable transportation for persons with disabilities. I wish them all the success as they establish testing operations in Pima County.”

Joe Snell, president & CEO of Sun Corridor Inc, said the partnership is another example of the region's growth as a technology corridor.

“Pony.ai’s decision to select Tucson for their new autonomous passenger vehicle testing operations is further validation that Southern Arizona is an emerging player in the autonomous vehicle industry,” he said. “Pony.ai joins a growing list of companies developing autonomous technologies that have established or expanded operations in the region over the last few years.”

PCC officials expressed excitement about what the partnership could potentially bring to the school and its students.

“We are thrilled with the opportunity to become the home of Pony.ai’s operations in the region,” Lee Lambert, chancellor of PCC, said in the release. “It aligns perfectly with our vision of the PCC Automotive Technology & Innovation Center to be on the cutting edge of the new automotive technology. Our students will be excited to be at the center of the autonomous vehicle technology action. Welcome, Pony.ai.”

Sandra Watson, president and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, said the company's arrival proves Arizona's commitment to automation.

“Arizona is the premier destination for autonomous vehicle innovation,” Watson said in the release. “Pony.ai’s Tucson operations are a valued addition to Arizona’s growing AV ecosystem, which is supported through one-of-a-kind collaborations like the Institute of Automated Mobility.”