(Yicai Global) Aug. 2 -- Chinese self-driving tech developer Pony.ai and Cao Cao Mobility, the ride-hailing unit of automaker Geely Holding Group, are joining hands to popularize the use of robotaxis on the streets of Beijing.

Cao Cao users in Beijing's suburban Yizhuang area can book rides provided by Pony.ai through its mobile app or mini-program from tomorrow, Guangzhou-based Pony.ai said on WeChat today.  Users can book rides in a 60-square-kilometer area 24/7, with 250 pick-up and drop-off points.

Hangzhou-based Geely set up Cao Cao in 2015, and it provides low-carbon ride-sharing services with a fleet of new energy vehicles. 

Founded a year later, Pony.ai has research and development centers in Silicon Valley, Guangzhou, Beijing, and Shanghai, and had completed 900,000 self-driving trips as of last month. The firm is licensed to test and operate autonomous driving services in parts of China and the United States.

Pony.ai's self-developed platform PonyPilot+ has linked up with a number of Chinese ride-hailing apps such as Ruqi Mobility and T3 Mobility to make autonomous driving more common.

Editor: Emmi Laine, Xiao Yi