Big moves in the world of self-driving cars: Pony AI (PONY, Financial) shares surged 11% after Guangdong province dropped a game-changing announcement. Starting now, autonomous vehicle companies can test their robocars across key districts in Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Zhuhai with just one permit. Even better? Hong Kong and Macau are gearing up to join the party, creating the largest autonomous driving test zone in China. This isn't just a local win—it's a massive signal that the Greater Bay Area is gunning for global leadership in autonomous innovation.

Previously, Goldman Sachs is all-in, slapping a "Buy" rating on Pony AI and setting a $19.60 price target. Why the hype? Pony AI already runs 250 robotaxis across four major cities and is racking up regulatory wins. Analysts see a clear growth runway with revenue projections hitting a 27% CAGR through 2027—and an eye-popping 158% CAGR between 2027 and 2030. Sure, the balance sheet isn't perfect, but liquidity is rock-solid with a cash-rich position to fuel expansion. Translation: Pony AI is gunning for scale, with EBITDA and net income expected to turn positive by 2030.

Zooming out, this comes right after the US unveiled plans to fast-track driverless car commercialization. The stars are aligning on both sides of the Pacific, signaling a seismic shift in transportation. Pony AI and its peers, like Baidu's Apollo Go, are leading the charge, positioning themselves as must-watch players in this race to redefine mobility.