China's Neolix and Portugal's Caetano Forge EU RoboVan Alliance

LAS VEGAS, NV – January 06, 2026 – Amid the technological spectacle of CES 2026, a strategic alliance was forged that signals a new chapter for European logistics. Chinese autonomous vehicle pioneer Neolix Technologies announced a landmark partnership with Salvador Caetano Auto, a major Portuguese automotive and mobility group. The collaboration aims to deploy Neolix's autonomous delivery vans, or 'RoboVans,' in Portugal, establishing a critical foothold for the company's accelerated expansion into the European market.

This deal represents more than just a new market entry; it's a calculated move to transform Europe's urban logistics landscape from the ground up. By pairing Neolix's battle-tested autonomous technology with Salvador Caetano Auto's deep regional market expertise and industrial network, the alliance intends to create a blueprint for a more efficient, sustainable, and intelligent logistics ecosystem that could be scaled across the continent.

The New Silk Road of Smart Logistics

Neolix's arrival in Portugal is not a tentative first step but the latest move in a deliberate and sophisticated European strategy. The company, a global leader in the commercialization of low-speed autonomous driving, already boasts a fleet of over 15,000 autonomous vehicles operating in 15 countries, with prior deployments in European nations like Germany and Spain for services ranging from unmanned delivery to mobile retail.

This methodical expansion is built on a foundation of regulatory diligence. Neolix's products have secured certification from the globally respected TÜV Rheinland and comply with over 20 distinct ECE/EU regulations. As early as 2019, its vehicles met the L6e light electric vehicle standard and received EU E-MARK certification, demonstrating a long-term commitment to navigating Europe's stringent safety and quality standards. This proactive approach is crucial in a market where regulatory acceptance and alignment with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles are paramount.

Just two days before the CES announcement, Neolix revealed another strategic partnership with Luxmea, a European provider of electric cargo solutions with over 550,000 e-bikes serving major logistics clients. These back-to-back deals underscore a core tenet of Neolix's strategy: localization-driven global expansion. Rather than attempting a unilateral entry, the company is embedding its technology within established European networks, leveraging local knowledge to adapt its solutions and accelerate adoption.

"Europe is a crucial strategic market for Neolix's global expansion, and this collaboration marks a significant step forward in our mission to build a global smart logistics ecosystem," stated Will Zhao, Executive President of Neolix. "By joining hands with Salvador Caetano Auto, we aim to not only bring innovative solutions to the Portuguese market but also work together to shape the future of European smart logistics."

Portugal as Europe's Autonomous Proving Ground

The alliance will commence with a Proof of Concept (PoC) in Portugal, a phase designed to validate the integration of Neolix's RoboVans into the country's specific industrial and logistics environments. This initial trial is the cornerstone of a much larger vision. Salvador Caetano Auto, with its presence in 48 countries and its dedicated 'Caetano Mobility' ecosystem, provides the ideal platform for this endeavor.

The Portuguese group offers more than just a distribution network; it brings profound insight into local market dynamics, infrastructure challenges, and customer needs. This partnership allows Neolix to test and refine its offerings in a controlled, real-world setting before a broader European rollout. The PoC will focus on low-speed logistics, targeting pain points in last-mile delivery and campus-based transport that are ripe for autonomous solutions.

Miguel Fonseca, CEO of Caetano Mobility and Executive Director of Salvador Caetano Auto, commented on the synergy. "Neolix Technologies is a global leader in commercial autonomous mobility... This collaboration aligns with our commitment to promoting sustainable and intelligent transportation, and we look forward to working closely with Neolix to drive innovation, create value and contribute to the development of Europe's smart mobility ecosystem."

Success in Portugal could establish the nation as a key testbed and early adopter of autonomous logistics, creating a replicable model for other European countries. The lessons learned—from vehicle performance in varied urban topographies to public and regulatory reception—will be invaluable for continent-wide expansion.

Navigating the Uncharted Regulatory Highway

Perhaps the most critical aspect of the Neolix-Salvador Caetano Auto alliance is its stated commitment to actively shaping policy. While Neolix has diligently met existing EU vehicle standards, the specific operational rules for fleets of autonomous delivery robots are still being written across Europe. The partnership's plan to engage directly with Portuguese authorities signals a proactive effort to help define the regulatory framework for this emerging industry.

This collaborative approach is essential. The success of autonomous logistics hinges on clear, consistent, and safe regulations governing everything from vehicle-to-infrastructure communication and data privacy to liability in case of incidents. By participating in the creation of Portugal's national framework, the alliance can help ensure that the rules are practical, foster innovation, and maintain public trust. This effort could position Portugal as a regulatory pioneer, developing policies that might later be adopted or adapted by the wider European Union.

The challenge lies in balancing rapid technological advancement with the deliberate pace of public policy. However, the opportunity is to create a clear and predictable legal environment that de-risks investment and accelerates the deployment of solutions that can reduce urban congestion, lower emissions, and improve delivery efficiency.

Underpinning this effort is Neolix's advanced L4 mapless autonomous driving technology. Launched in 2025, this system enables vehicles to achieve centimeter-level positioning and navigate complex urban environments—including areas with heavy pedestrian traffic and adverse weather—without relying on pre-built high-definition maps. This technological leap significantly reduces the cost and time required for deployment, a key advantage that could streamline both operational rollout and regulatory approval by minimizing infrastructure dependencies. This partnership is not just about importing technology; it is about co-creating the very ecosystem in which it will operate, paving the way for a smarter and more sustainable logistics future across Europe.