Geely Farizon, WeRide, and Kwoon Chung Partnership Accelerates Driverless Robotaxi Launch in Hong Kong

Pioneering the Future of Autonomous Driving in Hong Kong

In a significant leap toward transforming urban mobilité, Geely Farizon New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group, a leader in energy-efficient commercial vehicles in China, has formed a strategic partnership with two key players in the autonomous driving industry: WeRide, a global leader in self-driving technology, and Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings Limited, a prominent public transport operator in Hong Kong. This collaboration is set against the backdrop of the 2026 International Automotive & Supply Chain Expo in Hong Kong, where these three industry giants unveiled plans for the deployment of right-hand-drive Robotaxis.

The Vision of Enhanced Urban Mobility

The objective of this partnership is clear — to advance the deployment of autonomous vehicles tailored for right-hand-drive markets. The initiative is spurred by the evident demand for autonomous mobility solutions that adapt to local driving norms and safety requirements. The proposed Robotaxis will be developed on the existing factory-built GXR platform, integrating the expertise of each partner: Geely Farizon’s prowess in manufacturing new energy vehicles, WeRide's cutting-edge technology in autonomous driving, and Kwoon Chung's operational know-how in public transport.

Song Zhaohuan, Vice President of Geely Farizon, emphasized the importance of this venture, stating that it would mark a pivotal moment for the Robotaxi industry, enhancing its adaptability on a global scale. With Hong Kong as the initial testing ground for these state-of-the-art vehicles, the collaboration aims to set a benchmark for right-hand-drive Robotaxi services worldwide.

Building on Previous Successes

Notably, this collaboration is not entirely new; it builds on a prior successful relationship between Geely Farizon and WeRide, who launched the Robotaxi GXR in October 2024. This model successfully initiated fully driverless commercial operations in cities like Beijing and Guangzhou almost immediately after its release. The extensive groundwork laid by Kwoon Chung Smart Mobility bolstered this new project, having already tested left-hand-drive Robotaxi GXR units with success in Hong Kong, which further nourished the foundations for these innovative right-hand-drive models.

Designing the Future of Mobility

The upcoming right-hand-drive Robotaxi aims to redefine industry standards. Unlike previous models that simply adapted left-hand-drive units for right-hand standards, this vehicle is designed from the ground up — ensuring it meets the unique requirements of specific markets while prioritizing safety, comfort, and efficiency. This rigorous approach encompasses a complete redesign covering vehicle layout, advanced autonomous driving software, and Human-Machine Interface (HMI) design. By doing this, the partnership facilitates a greater alignment with regional traffic laws and conditions, providing passengers with a seamless and instinctive travel experience.

Global Aspirations

The implications of this collaboration extend beyond Hong Kong. With plans to expand into other right-hand-drive markets such as the UK, Japan, Australia, and Singapore, the aim is to replicate the operational model established in Hong Kong. The partnership anticipates the need for adaptations based on local regulations, road conditions, and consumer preferences, thus offering a truly scalable and adaptable solution for urban transport worldwide.

Conclusion

This significant collaboration heralds a transformative era for urban transportation, demonstrating how the integration of innovative technology with established operational knowledge can lead to effective solutions in urban mobility. As Geely Farizon, WeRide, and Kwoon Chung work hand in hand to perfect their right-hand-drive Robotaxis, the global autonomous mobility landscape is poised for significant change, showcasing a future where convenient and efficient transport solutions are just a ride away.

With Hong Kong leading the charge, other regions can look ahead to a new wave of driverless integration that prioritizes safety and adaptability. The journey for these innovative Robotaxis has just begun, but the horizon is bright for urban travelers seeking advanced mobility solutions.