German taxi operator MTZ to deploy up to 500 autonomous taxis under Tensor deal

Oct 27 (Reuters) - Germany's largest taxi operator Münchner-Taxi-Zentrum (MTZ) and US autonomous-driving company Tensor Auto signed on Tuesday a letter of intent to deploy self-driving taxis in Germany as taxi operators seek a bigger role in Europe's emerging autonomous-mobility market.

The companies said MTZ would operate up to 500 autonomous vehicles in German cities under its own brand, while Tensor would provide autonomous-driving technology through a subscription model.

• California-based Tensor's model would see taxi operators retain control of fleet operations, customer relationships and operational data rather than the technology provider running the service

• The autonomous vehicles would be integrated into MTZ's existing dispatch platform, allowing passengers to book rides through current taxi channels

• The companies said they aim to expand the model across Europe, with a target deployment of 10,000 additional vehicles through taxi and fleet operators within 24 months of the vehicle becoming available in the region

• MTZ and Tensor, founded in 2016 by Jay Xiao, will also explore offering the autonomous vehicles to private buyers in Germany

• No financial terms were disclosed, and the agreement remains contingent on Germany granting Level 4 autonomous-driving approvals

• Waymo said this month it was planning to launch a fully autonomous ride-hailing service in Madrid in 2027, as autonomous-taxi companies expand in Europe

(Reporting by Prathik Jayaprakash in Bengaluru; Editing by Perla Velasco)