WeRide Selected as Technology Partner for Autonomous Driving Pilot in Switzerland

WeRide Chosen as Technology Supplier for Autonomous Driving Pilot in Switzerland

Zürich, January 15, 2025 – WeRide Inc. (NASDAQ: WRD), a global leader in autonomous driving technology, has been selected as the technology provider for a groundbreaking autonomous driving pilot project in Switzerland. This project is financed by the Canton of Zurich and the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB), and is overseen by the Swiss Transit Lab (STL), with WeRide providing the necessary products and operational support.

This selection underscores WeRide's advanced Level 4 technology capabilities and its recognition in the international market. During the testing phase, the project will utilize two autonomous vehicles equipped with WeRide technology. Following the successful launch, expected in the second quarter of this year, up to four vehicles will be in operation. The completely unmanned mode of operation is planned to function for a duration of five years. Further expanding the fleet, an additional eight autonomous vehicles are slated for deployment in 2026, with more expansions anticipated in the future.

The initial automated vehicles are set to operate in the Furttal region of Switzerland, where residents will be able to book rides via an app provided by ioki. Tony Han, WeRide's founder and CEO, emphasized, “The initiation of this pilot project for public transportation in Switzerland illustrates WeRide's commitment to developing autonomous solutions across Europe. Our technology has already demonstrated exceptional adaptability in various scenarios, from major sporting events to airport operations and public transport services.”

In Switzerland, train networks serve as the primary transportation routes between major cities and communities. According to the Federal Office of Transport (BAV), the Swiss ride the train an average of 70 times a year, which is the highest rate in Europe. However, transportation options in suburban and rural areas remain limited.

The Swiss Federal Railways AG (SBB), one of the project's investors, was founded in 1902 and is the state-owned railway company of Switzerland. It operates approximately 3,000 kilometers of rail network. The Canton of Zurich is the second-largest investor in this initiative, alongside the Swiss Transit Lab (STL), which focuses on the development and testing of smart mobility solutions. The involved parties will utilize WeRide's autonomous driving technology to enhance Switzerland's intelligent transport network.

This project marks WeRide's third initiative in Europe within eight months. Recently, the company initiated Europe’s first commercial autonomous shuttle project at Zurich Airport and provided Level 4 autonomous shuttle service during the 2024 French Open in Paris.

The adoption of WeRide technology reinforces the versatility of the WeRide One platform for autonomous driving and highlights its adaptability to different products, indicating significant interest in WeRide's technologies, products, and services across Europe.