Uber Announces Surprise Launch of Autonomous Car Service in Madrid
Madrid, February 4, 2026 – Uber has unexpectedly announced its intention to launch an autonomous car service in Madrid, marking a significant expansion of its robotaxi operations. The American ride-hailing giant is in fierce competition with rivals such as Waymo (Google) and Tesla to dominate the self-driving vehicle sector, aiming to establish the world’s largest autonomous car fleet by 2029.
Global Expansion and Strategic Partnerships
Currently, Uber operates autonomous car services in several U.S. cities, including Austin, Atlanta, Dallas, Dubai, and Phoenix. The company plans further expansion within the United States while also targeting new international markets such as Hong Kong, Zurich (Switzerland), and London. Madrid’s inclusion underscores the strategic importance of European capitals in Uber’s global vision.
Uber collaborates with various technology and autonomous vehicle providers to power its services. In previous ventures, the company utilized Hyundai vehicles and recently unveiled new robotaxi versions in partnership with Mercedes and Lucid. Additionally, Waymo cars can be booked through the Uber platform in certain cities. Last summer, Uber set an ambitious goal of deploying a fleet of 20,000 autonomous vehicles.
Gradual Rollout and Safety Protocols
The deployment of autonomous services typically occurs in phases. Initial stages often involve a human safety driver who monitors the vehicle’s performance and can take control in emergencies. However, in cities like San Francisco, robotaxis have become a common sight, operating without constant human intervention in many scenarios. This gradual approach ensures safety and allows for the refinement of autonomous driving technology.
Record Profits and Market Reaction
Uber reported a net attributable profit of 10.053 billion dollars (8.487 billion euros) in 2025, a 2% increase year-on-year. The company’s revenues surged by 18.3% to 43.978 billion dollars (37.195 billion euros), benefiting from a positive tax impact of 4.346 billion dollars (3.676 billion euros).
However, the multinational’s costs also rose by 12.8%, reaching 46.452 billion dollars (39.287 billion euros). In the fourth quarter alone, profits significantly dropped to 296 million dollars (250.4 million euros), a 95.7% decrease. This decline was attributed to higher miscellaneous expenses and the conclusion of tax benefits.
Despite the quarterly dip, total revenues for the fourth quarter advanced by 20.1% to 14.366 billion dollars (12.150 billion euros). CEO Dara Khosrowshahi stated, “Uber accelerated towards another record quarter, with over 200 million monthly users completing more than 40 million trips a day.”
Despite these impressive figures, the market reacted negatively to the financial results, with Uber’s shares falling by 5.5% at the opening. This reaction suggests that investors may have had higher expectations for the company’s performance, particularly concerning the fourth-quarter profit decline.
Uber’s expansion into Madrid with its autonomous car service signifies a bold step in its quest for global market leadership in self-driving technology. While the company demonstrates strong overall financial growth, the market’s cautious response highlights the ongoing challenges and high expectations within the rapidly evolving autonomous vehicle industry.
