Momenta Receives KBA Approval for Level 4 Autonomous Driving Tests, Becomes First Approved Chinese Company
Chinese autonomous driving company Momenta received approval from Germany’s Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) on July 29, becoming the first Chinese company authorized to conduct Level 4 autonomous driving tests on urban roads in Germany. The KBA is known for its stringent safety standards, and this approval is seen as a significant endorsement of Momenta’s technological maturity. Momenta CEO Cao Xudong stated that Germany’s rigorous and comprehensive approach to autonomous driving regulation, which prioritizes public safety, made it the company’s top choice for entering the European market.
The Level 4 autonomous driving tests approved for Momenta have safety validation standards fully aligned with the European Union’s regulatory framework. The KBA’s approval process requires companies to pass multiple safety tests, including system reliability, risk management, and emergency response capabilities. Momenta said this approval lays the foundation for subsequent commercial applications in the European market.
Deep Collaboration with International Automakers Establishes Foundation in Europe
Momenta has been collaborating with the German automotive industry since 2017, with partnerships including Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi, and the Volkswagen Group. Notably, Mercedes-Benz became Momenta’s first international automaker investor in 2017, reflecting the company’s long-term strategy in the autonomous driving sector. These partnerships not only provide Momenta with a platform for technological validation but also offer critical support for its expansion into the European market.
On July 8, Momenta completed its initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong, raising HK$6.8 billion. The funds will be used to advance technical testing and commercialization in the European market. The company plans to integrate various autonomous driving applications—including robotaxis, robovans, robotrucks, and self-driving consumer cars—using its 'World Model.' Momenta stated that this model will enhance the efficiency of large-scale autonomous driving applications, though specific details regarding the scale of testing or the number of vehicles have not been disclosed.
Uber Increases Investment, Munich to Become Europe’s First Launch City
Momenta’s collaboration with Uber will begin in Munich, Germany, where the two companies plan to launch Europe’s first robotaxi service. In July, Uber increased its investment in Momenta’s wholly owned subsidiary, SMB Holding Corporation, further deepening their partnership in autonomous driving. Uber said the investment will accelerate the commercialization of autonomous driving technology in the European market, though it did not disclose the specific investment amount or further details of the collaboration.
Momenta CEO Cao Xudong noted that Germany, as a leader in autonomous driving regulation in Europe, sets a high standard for approvals, which will serve as an important reference for the company’s future expansion into other European markets. While Momenta has received KBA approval, it has not yet announced a timeline for expansion into countries such as the Netherlands, France, or Belgium. The KBA has also not publicly outlined the specific regulations or conditions Momenta must adhere to during testing.
Momenta emphasized that the KBA’s approval for Level 4 autonomous driving tests in Germany not only recognizes its technological capabilities but also opens new opportunities for commercial applications in the European market. The company will continue to work with international partners to advance the deployment and adoption of autonomous driving technology.
