WeRide Becomes the First Tech Firm to Secure Driverless Permits Across Five Nations

WeRide Achieves Level-4 Driverless Permit in France

WeRide, the prominent player in autonomous driving technology and listed on Nasdaq as WRD, has made headlines by securing a Level-4 driverless public road testing and operating permit in France. This achievement, in conjunction with the esteemed French autonomous mobility network operator beti, positions WeRide as the only technology company in the world to hold driverless permits in five distinct countries: China, the UAE, Singapore, France, and the United States.

This significant milestone not only showcases WeRide's technological prowess but also its ability to navigate and meet diverse regulatory standards across different regions. The company has demonstrated a commitment to safety, compliance, and the scalability of its autonomous mobility solutions.

Obtaining a driverless permit in France is no simple task. It demands approval from a variety of government agencies, in accordance with the 2019 PACTE law. This process involves detailed evaluations of technical documents, safety protocols, and operational plans. Remarkably, WeRide, along with beti, completed this comprehensive review in just three months, setting a new record for the fastest driverless permit approval in France. This accomplishment underscores WeRide's dedication to achieving the highest safety and operational standards established by European authorities.

With this new permit, WeRide's autonomous minibus is authorized to operate at speeds up to 40 km/h, marking a significant achievement as it is the fastest driverless permit granted in France thus far.

Further cementing its footprint in the European market, WeRide, alongside beti, Renault Group, and Macif, launched Europe’s inaugural public-road commercial autonomous minibus service on February 27, 2025, in Valence, Drôme. This permit provides essential regulatory support and governmental endorsement, accelerating the advancement of this transformative project. By July 2025, the partners aim to roll out a fully driverless commercial operation, featuring advanced remote surveillance technology.

As a global leader in autonomous mobility, WeRide boasts a robust presence across 30 cities in 10 countries. Its innovative fleet includes a variety of pre-designed, mass-produced autonomous vehicles, such as robotaxis, robobuses, and robosweepers, deployed widely across countries including France, Spain, Switzerland, Singapore, the UAE, Japan, and beyond.

WeRide is committed to fostering a collaborative ecosystem and has established strategic alliances with key industry stakeholders. Prominent partnerships include Uber—recognized as the largest mobility and delivery technology firm in the world—Renault Group, a leading global OEM, and beti, a notable European autonomous mobility network operator. The company's relationships extend to CTM, Singapore's top-tier environmental services provider, Zurich Airport—among the busiest transport hubs in Europe—and Macif, a significant French insurance provider.

In summary, WeRide’s latest achievement in France not only highlights its leadership in the autonomous tech domain but also reinforces its intention to ensure a safer and more integrated future for transportation worldwide. As the industry continues to evolve, WeRide’s innovative approach and strategic partnerships position it at the forefront of the autonomous mobility revolution.