Tensor, Münchner Taxi Zentrum Plan Up to 500 Autonomous Taxis in Germany
By Greg Bock · · 3 min read
Insider Brief
- Tensor Auto and Münchner Taxi Zentrum signed a letter of intent to deploy up to 500 Tensor Robocars in German cities, subject to final agreements and Level 4 regulatory approval.
- MTZ would operate the autonomous taxis under its own brand and dispatch system, while Tensor would sell the vehicles and provide autonomous-driving software, fleet tools, service and training through a subscription model.
- The companies are also targeting up to 10,000 additional Robocars with European fleet operators within 24 months of availability in Europe and plan to explore private sales in Germany.
Tensor Auto and Münchner Taxi Zentrum have signed a letter of intent to deploy autonomous taxis in Germany using Tensor’s Robocar platform.
According to Tensor, the initial plan could include up to 500 Tensor Robocars in German cities, subject to definitive agreements and regulatory approval for Level 4 autonomous driving. Münchner Taxi Zentrum, or MTZ, would operate the vehicles under its own brand and through its existing taxi service.
Tensor would sell the vehicles and provide its autonomous-driving software, fleet-management tools, service and training through a recurring subscription it calls Autonomous Driving as a Service. The letter of intent also calls for the companies to explore private sales of Tensor Robocars in Germany.
The agreement keeps fleet operations, customer relationships and ride data with the taxi operator rather than Tensor. MTZ would also determine where and when the autonomous vehicles operate in coordination with local authorities.
“Autonomous driving will redefine urban mobility,” founder and CEO Jay Xiao said in the announcement. “At Tensor, we’re building the technology and partner ecosystem to make safe, premium Robocar services a reality at scale. MTZ is an important partner as we bring this vision to Germany and expand across Europe.”
European Expansion
Tensor and MTZ said they are targeting an additional 10,000 Robocars with European fleet operators within 24 months of the vehicle becoming available in Europe. That target is not a firm order and depends on commercial agreements, vehicle availability and regulatory approvals.
MTZ CEO Gregor Beiner also chairs Taxis 4 Smart Mobility, a coalition of taxi organizations from six European countries. The companies said that network could provide a route for other operators to adopt the same model.
“The taxi industry has a leading role to bring sustainable autonomous driving to Europe,” Beiner said. “Together with Tensor, MTZ will bring autonomous vehicles to Munich’s streets under its own name, with the service quality and data sovereignty our customers trust. At the same time, our professional drivers remain indispensable: wherever personal service, assistance or a human touch is needed, they make the difference.”
Operator-Led Model
Under the proposed structure, MTZ would handle daily fleet operations and customer service, while financial institutions could provide financing for vehicle purchases. The Robocars would connect with MTZ’s existing dispatch systems, allowing customers to book rides through the operator’s current service.
Tensor said its vehicle was designed for autonomous operation rather than converted from a conventional production car. The Robocar also includes features designed to minimize time out of service such as automated maintenance checks and sensor cleaning.
Tensor is also developing conversational controls that would allow passengers to request route changes, add stops or ask questions during a trip.
The companies did not provide a timetable for the first commercial deployment. Any launch would depend on final agreements and Germany granting the necessary Level 4 approvals.
