WeRide and Uber Expand Partnership for Autonomous Vehicles in 15 Cities

WeRide and Uber Expand Their Strategic Partnership

In an exciting announcement, WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD), a global leader in autonomous driving technology, has revealed an expansion of its strategic partnership with Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: UBER), the world's largest mobility platform. This alliance, already robust, is set to introduce autonomous vehicles in 15 more cities globally over the next five years, including expansions into Europe.

The partnership builds on the successful launch of WeRide's services in Abu Dhabi, with plans to extend to Dubai shortly. Both companies have committed to adding new cities annually, focusing on locations outside of the United States and China. Through this collaboration, WeRide's robotaxi services will be available via the Uber app, while Uber will handle the operational aspects of the fleet.

Tony Han, founder and CEO of WeRide, expresses enthusiasm about this expansion: "We are thrilled to elevate our partnership with Uber. Expanding to new cities across various continents reflects the trust both companies have in our technology and our shared commitment to innovative and sustainable transportation solutions. This aligns perfectly with WeRide's ambitious global growth strategy, aimed at making autonomous driving solutions more affordable and accessible to people worldwide."

Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, highlighted the significance of this collaboration, calling it one of the largest partnerships of its kind, stating, "This marks a pivotal moment in making the promise of autonomous mobility a reality in more places around the globe. By leveraging Uber's global scale, operational expertise, and market-leading technology, we are excited to partner with cutting-edge autonomous vehicle companies like WeRide to help them bring their vehicles to market and extend the benefits of autonomy to more passengers."

About WeRide

WeRide stands at the forefront of the autonomous driving industry, being the first publicly listed robotaxi company. With operations in over 30 cities across 10 countries, WeRide holds autonomous driving licenses in China, the UAE, Singapore, France, and the United States. Powered by its intelligent, flexible, cost-effective, and highly adaptable platform, WeRide One, the company offers a range of autonomous driving products and services aimed at meeting various urban transportation needs, including mobility, logistics, and sanitation. Recognized by Fortune Magazine as one of "The Future 50" companies in 2024, WeRide continues to pave the way for the future of transportation.

About Uber

Uber’s mission is straightforward: to create opportunities through movement. Founded in 2010, the company dedicated itself to resolving a simple problem—how to request a ride with just a tap of a button. After facilitating over 58 billion trips, Uber has developed products that help people reach their destinations more conveniently. By transforming how people, food, and goods move through cities, Uber serves as a platform that opens new possibilities.

With an eye towards the future, both WeRide and Uber are set to make significant strides in the realm of autonomous transportation, hoping to reshape how the world views mobility. As technology continues to evolve and adapt, the shared vision of these two companies stands as a testament to what's possible with collaboration and innovation. This expansion not only signals a wider acceptance of autonomous vehicles but also reinforces the commitment of both organizations to lead the charge into a sustainable and innovative mobility future.