As the autonomous vehicle (AV) revolution accelerates, Uber is steering full speed ahead with two strategic partnerships poised to reshape the ride-hailing landscape. On the heels of two major announcements with May Mobility and Momenta, Uber is doubling down on its global vision for driverless mobility—just as traditional automakers like Volkswagen, General Motors, Ford, and Polestar contend with massive vehicle recalls.
Uber and May Mobility Unite to Scale U.S. Robotaxi Services
On May 1, 2025, Uber announced a multi-year alliance with May Mobility, a trailblazing U.S.-based autonomous vehicle technology firm. This collaboration will see thousands of May Mobility’s self-driving vehicles integrated into Uber’s platform in the coming years.
At the heart of this rollout is the Toyota Sienna Autono-MaaS—a hybrid-electric vehicle made in the U.S. and fitted with May Mobility’s proprietary Multi-Policy Decision Making (MPDM) system. Unlike traditional autonomous driving algorithms, MPDM simulates human-like reasoning in real time, enabling the system to navigate unexpected road conditions with precision.
“Launching on the Uber platform is a big signal to the market that May Mobility is ready to quickly expand to major markets as the preeminent autonomy-as-a-service provider,” said Edwin Olson, CEO and co-founder of May Mobility.
The initial fleet of AVs will debut by late 2025, starting in Arlington, Texas, where May Mobility has been operating since 2021. These vehicles will feature onboard safety operators in the early phases, eventually transitioning to fully driverless deployments in 2026 and beyond.
Uber customers in select U.S. markets will soon have the option to ride in May Mobility’s AVs during eligible trips. This expansion is not Uber’s first foray into autonomous vehicles—previous collaborations include partnerships with global leaders such as BYD, Waymo, and Volkswagen.
“At Uber, we’re building the future of transportation,” stated Dara Khosrowshahi, Uber CEO. “We’re working with the world’s leading autonomous vehicle developers like May Mobility to commercialize and scale this transformative technology around the world.”
Uber Partners With Momenta to Expand Self-Driving Services to Europe
The next day, Uber revealed its second strategic partnership, this time with Momenta, a Chinese autonomous driving company renowned for its advanced robotaxi technology. This partnership is specifically aimed at scaling Uber’s autonomous fleet outside the U.S. and China, with Europe as the first international destination.
The European launch, set for early 2026, will also begin with vehicles supervised by onboard safety operators to ensure a smooth and secure rollout.
“This cooperation marks an exciting milestone,” said Xudong Cao, CEO of Momenta. “We’re bringing our robotaxi technology—integrated on a mass-production platform—to new global markets through Uber’s unparalleled mobility network.”
Founded in 2020, Momenta received regulatory approval for its robotaxi business in 2023. Since then, it has facilitated over 250,000 autonomous rides, maintaining a 99% positive user rating. This new agreement with Uber enhances Momenta’s existing ecosystem of collaborations with leading OEMs and semiconductor partners.
By combining Uber’s massive user base with Momenta’s scalable, production-ready AV technology, both companies aim to redefine how urban transportation is delivered across borders.
Uber’s Global Autonomous Strategy: A Competitive Edge
Uber’s dual announcement signals a strategic pivot—from experimenting with autonomy to commercial deployment at scale. The partnerships with May Mobility and Momenta not only extend Uber’s AV capabilities but also showcase a differentiated approach:
Domestic dominance through May Mobility’s U.S.-based rollout.
International expansion via Momenta’s European deployment.
Uber’s AV roadmap seems to position it at the intersection of innovation and global scale, allowing it to leapfrog traditional automakers struggling with legacy systems, safety issues, and logistical bottlenecks.
While Uber Accelerates, Traditional Automakers Face Mounting Recalls
In contrast to Uber’s AV momentum, several major automakers are grappling with serious recall issues. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has flagged safety defects across millions of vehicles from Volkswagen, General Motors, Ford, and Polestar—affecting consumer confidence and production cycles.
Volkswagen ID. Buzz Faces Seatbelt Safety Recall
Volkswagen Group of America has come under scrutiny for its ID. Buzz electric vans. According to the NHTSA, these vans are equipped with a third-row bench seat that accommodates three passengers but only offers two seatbelts—a critical oversight in safety compliance.
VW’s defense—that the seat was intended for two passengers—was dismissed by regulators. As a result, all 5,637 units produced have been flagged, marking a 100% recall rate for this model.
This issue not only presents a reputational blow to Volkswagen but also underscores the complex engineering challenges in EV and AV design where safety cannot be compromised.
General Motors Recalls Nearly 600,000 Vehicles for Engine Defects
GM is also facing the heat, recalling 597,630 vehicles across its Chevrolet, Cadillac, and GMC brands due to engine defects that could lead to total engine failure.
The affected models include:
126,027 Cadillac Escalade and Escalade ESV
174,208 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, Suburban, and Tahoe
297,395 GMC Sierra 1500, Yukon, and Yukon XL
These vehicles were manufactured between March 1, 2021, and May 31, 2024, and are suspected of having defective crankshaft or connecting rod components.
“The connecting rod and/or crankshaft engine components may have manufacturing defects that can lead to engine damage and engine failure,” the NHTSA report states.
The scale and nature of this recall could lead to costly repairs, warranty claims, and potential legal ramifications for GM.
Ford and Lincoln Hit With Camera Display Issues
Ford Motor Company has been compelled to recall 289,618 vehicles due to malfunctioning rearview cameras and displays, including models from both Ford and Lincoln.
Affected vehicles include:
2015 Ford Expedition, F-250, F-350, F-450
Lincoln MKC and Lincoln Navigator
2022–2023 Ford Broncos
These systems, particularly the 360-degree view cameras, have been found to fail in displaying the rearview image when reversing, posing a significant hazard to drivers.
This defect mirrors similar issues seen in recent recalls, suggesting a larger systemic problem in infotainment and camera integration across Ford’s platforms.
Polestar Recalls 27,816 Units Over Rear Camera Glitch
Polestar, the Swedish EV brand backed by Volvo and Geely, is recalling 27,816 units of its Polestar 2 model (model years 2021–2025). The issue? A synchronization error between the rear parking assist camera and the infotainment system.
Users reported a “Camera is temporarily unavailable” error when reversing, raising safety concerns that prompted the NHTSA to intervene.
This recall comes at a critical time for Polestar, which is ramping up EV deliveries and expanding to new markets. Technical setbacks like these could hinder its progress in a hyper-competitive space.
AV Industry at a Crossroads: Acceleration vs. Accountability
The contrast between Uber’s autonomous mobility advancements and traditional automakers’ recall crises highlights a fundamental industry shift. While legacy players are mired in quality control issues, mobility tech firms are building scalable, software-first platforms that can adapt and iterate faster.
Uber’s strategy is modular and collaborative—by partnering with AV innovators like May Mobility and Momenta, Uber avoids the overhead of in-house development while benefiting from cutting-edge technology.
May Mobility brings a robust U.S. deployment model, while Momenta opens the door to international markets with proven robotaxi systems.
Legacy automakers must reconcile innovation with stringent safety standards, as recalls highlight ongoing quality assurance gaps.
Looking Ahead: What This Means for Consumers and Investors
For consumers, Uber’s AV expansion could lead to cheaper, safer, and more sustainable rides in the near future. With real-world trials already underway, robotaxis could become a common sight in cities like Arlington and, soon, parts of Europe.
For investors and stakeholders, Uber’s shift toward autonomy signals long-term growth potential and improved margins by reducing reliance on human drivers. Meanwhile, automakers must balance innovation with reliability, ensuring new technologies meet safety regulations before reaching market scale.
Conclusion
The race toward autonomous mobility is no longer a future concept—it’s here, and Uber is positioning itself as a global front-runner. As May Mobility and Momenta join forces with Uber to deploy self-driving fleets in the U.S. and Europe, the mobility landscape is being redefined in real time.
While Uber accelerates toward autonomy, traditional automakers must resolve safety concerns and adapt to an increasingly tech-driven transportation ecosystem. The companies that can blend trustworthy technology with consumer-ready deployment will lead the next chapter of global mobility.
