Pony AI Inc (NASDAQ: PONY) chief executive James Peng, says the company’s US operations are not officially on the market, but the door isn’t entirely closed either.
In an interview with CNBC this morning, Peng acknowledged the possibility of a sale, stating, “I wouldn’t say we’re open, but if it’s a possibility, we might consider.”
Peng’s remarks follow reports that Uber and its co-founder, Travis Kalanick, could be eyeing PONY assets in the US.
While the chief executive emphasized the United States remains “a very integral part” of the firm, his openness to evaluating strategic options signals Pony AI is weighing global priorities carefully in a rapidly evolving autonomous vehicle landscape.
Pony AI shares are currently down about 45% versus their year-to-date high in late May.
Why isn’t PONY interested in large scale deployment in the US
Despite its origins in Silicon Valley, Pony AI Inc is currently not pursuing “large-scale commercial operations” in the United States.
Peng explained that the company’s US office is now focused mostly on research and development.
The decision reflects a strategic pivot away from the American market, likely influenced by regulatory hurdles and geopolitical tensions.
Citing these risks, the chief executive said PONY is “exploring and weighing in different options for operations in different geo markets.”
For now, the robotaxi company appears more inclined toward building momentum in regions with more favorable regulatory environments and clearer paths to commercialization.
Here’s why Pony AI picked Dubai for commercial launch
Dubai has emerged as a key launchpad for Pony AI’s international expansion, and the reasons are both strategic and pragmatic.
Peng cited strong government support and high demand for shared mobility as decisive factors.
“Dubai turns out to be one of the very friendly governments with a push for supporting autonomous driving,” he said.
The partnership with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority is expected to lead to unmanned commercial operations as early as next year.
However, PONY’s global ambitions don’t stop there – fleets are also being launched in South Korea and Luxembourg, with additional markets under consideration as well.
Peng emphasized the importance of early entry and local collaboration, saying, “It’s always good to be there early to gain close collaboration with local players and governments.”
PONY stock could soon be listed in Hong Kong
With Hong Kong’s IPO market heating up, Pony AI is actively considering a listing in the city.
Peng described the Hong Kong exchange as “very much alive this year and booming,” and acknowledged its proximity to the company’s home base in China as a strategic advantage.
“A lot of the investors would like to have access to a market that’s close to our home base,” he noted.
While no formal plans have been announced, Peng confirmed that the company is “exploring the possibilities” of either a primary or secondary listing.
As PONY continues to scale its operations and expand globally, a Hong Kong IPO could provide the financial firepower and investor visibility needed to accelerate its ambitions.
Wall Street currently has a consensus “buy” rating on the autonomous vehicle stock.
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