Mate Rimac presented the long-awaited robotaxi named Verne, after the famous writer Jules Verne, which is expected to drive through the streets of Zagreb starting in 2026. The presentation did not go exactly as Rimac envisioned, as the robotaxi ignored his commands and did not come to him.
– Of course this happened, it’s the effect of the presentation, we’ve done this 100 times, but now it seems a problem has arisen – Rimac said at that moment.
A serious team gathered for the presentation of Verne. Politicians, investors, journalists, employees of Rimac Group, and everyone involved in the project in one way or another. At the very beginning of the event, Prime Minister Andrej Plenković addressed the audience.
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– I did not expect to be in the dark, that is probably part of innovation. It is an honor to be present here. I am glad that you came in such large numbers. Mate, whom we all follow, as a young innovator has faced difficult and demanding situations. There was skepticism, innovators are ahead of their time and are left to themselves, and that is why they experience this.
I am glad that we supported this project with significant funds. Congratulations, I am glad that you are positioned here in Sveti Nedelja. Such a company is extremely well positioned. Congratulations also on the presentation of the new Bugatti. Your influence on global processes has been recognized, you have reached the very top. In two days we will mark one year since the signing of the contract for non-repayable funds. This was a political choice based on the direction of development of this project – said Plenković, taking the opportunity to remind everyone present that the government allocated as much as 180 million euros from the NPOO for this project.
Rimac stated that this is their most ambitious project to date, and reportedly the robotaxis will be affordable so that everyone can order them.
– The best, cleanest, most modern experience, for the price of a regular ride. Everyone will have an experience like billionaires in their cars with drivers. We are building an ecosystem consisting of three parts: the vehicle, the application, and the infrastructure we call ‘Mothership’, where the cars will be cleaned, charged, and serviced. In addition, we are building a factory where these cars will be produced, and the first Verne factory will be in Lučko – Rimac commented.
He expressed satisfaction with the presence of the prime minister, ministers, and investors, reflecting on the incredible progress of the company despite the initial lack of funds and experience.
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– It’s pretty crazy what has happened in the last 15 years. We had no knowledge, experience, or money to realize any of these projects. Yet we did it. It was almost impossible to imagine that we would develop and produce electric cars in Croatia, the most exciting hybrid cars, batteries for the most famous global brands, and that we would raise over a billion euros in investments, open more than 2000 jobs, and create the largest such factory in this part of Europe – Rimac said.
He highlighted achievements such as the production of Nevera, the fastest car in the world, attracting over a billion euros in investments, and creating 2000 jobs.
– It was difficult to find the right name for this project that fits our vision. But when we thought of it, we knew it was the right name for us. We named our new brand after Jules Verne, the famous writer who is said to be the man who invented the future. Just as he used the theme of travel as a driving force in his stories, we use it as inspiration in shaping a future filled with imaginative innovations and real achievements. His faith in the future and his spirit have sparked curiosity in generations and generations of scientists and researchers. Things that sometimes seem impossible, he made possible – said Adriano Mudri, Chief Design Officer at Verne.
