Mobileye launches US robotaxi service, expanding beyond supplier role
Original: Mobileye’s US robotaxi launch will put it on both sides of the AV business
Why This Matters
Mobileye's shift to direct robotaxi operations reflects industry consolidation and competitive pressure in autonomous vehicle commercialization.
Intel subsidiary Mobileye announced plans to launch a robotaxi service in a U.S. city in 2027 with an initial fleet of 100 autonomous vehicles, scaling to 17,000 over five years, positioning itself as both technology supplier and operator.
Mobileye, an Intel subsidiary and publicly traded company, announced Tuesday it will launch a robotaxi service in an unnamed U.S. city in 2027, marking a significant expansion beyond its existing supplier strategy. The company will deploy an initial fleet of 100 autonomous vehicles phased throughout 2027, with plans to scale to approximately 17,000 robotaxis over the following five years. Mobileye founder and CEO Amnon Shashua stated: "The robotaxi revolution has only just begun, and its potential for transforming how we travel around the world continues to increase." Mobileye rose to prominence supplying automakers with computer vision chips for automotive safety and advanced driver assistance systems. The company now provides self-driving systems to Volkswagen and its MOIA subsidiary. The new operating business will use Mobileye's own self-driving system and leverage Moovit, a transit and ride-hailing app owned by Mobileye, for consumer-facing operations. The company will work with "AV-ready vehicle platform manufacturers," with promotional materials suggesting a modified Ora iQ electric crossover from Chinese automaker Great Wall Motors. Shashua emphasized: "This initiative is not a replacement for our existing partnerships; it is an extension of them. We remain deeply committed to enabling automakers and mobility providers with Mobileye Drive." This positions Mobileye on both sides of the autonomous vehicle business, potentially creating competitive tensions with existing supplier clients.