WeRide, a prominent Chinese autonomous driving technology company, has announced a significant milestone in its global expansion. In collaboration with mobility giants Uber and AVOMO, the autonomous driving division of Moove Cars Group, WeRide has officially obtained Spain’s first L4 autonomous passenger car operating license. This groundbreaking achievement, supported by the Madrid government, was issued by the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) under the ES-AV framework, permitting the deployment of autonomous vehicles on public roads.
Robotaxi Service Set for Madrid Launch
Following the completion of all necessary preparations and adherence to operational and regulatory requirements, WeRide, Uber, and AVOMO are gearing up to launch commercial Robotaxi services for the public in Madrid. The planned commercial operation is slated to commence within 2026.
Spain, a popular tourist destination attracting nearly a hundred million visitors annually, presents a robust market for autonomous driving services. The capital city, Madrid, experiences high demand for commuting, and its well-established ride-hailing ecosystem provides a fertile ground for the adoption of self-driving mobility solutions. This launch in Madrid marks the fourth city included in the strategic partnership between WeRide and Uber.
The ambitious collaboration between WeRide and Uber aims to extend their Robotaxi partnership to 15 cities worldwide by 2030, with an objective to deploy tens of thousands of Robotaxis. This initiative is designed to offer safe and reliable autonomous driving services to a global user base.
Global Recognition and Licensing Prowess
This latest licensing success in Spain further solidifies WeRide’s position as a global leader in autonomous driving technology. The company now holds autonomous driving licenses in nine countries, a testament to its advanced capabilities and successful navigation of diverse regulatory landscapes. The countries where WeRide’s products have obtained operating licenses include China, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, France, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and the United States.
The acquisition of the L4 operating license in Spain is a crucial step for WeRide, enabling the company to bring its cutting-edge autonomous driving solutions to a major European market. The partnership with Uber, a world leader in ride-sharing, and AVOMO, with its established presence in the mobility sector, is expected to accelerate the deployment and adoption of Robotaxi services in Madrid. This collaboration underscores a shared vision for the future of transportation, focusing on safety, efficiency, and sustainability through autonomous technology.
WeRide’s consistent progress in securing international licenses highlights its commitment to developing and deploying safe and reliable autonomous driving systems globally. As the company prepares for the commercial launch in Madrid, the industry will be watching closely, anticipating the impact of L4 autonomous vehicles on urban mobility in one of Europe’s key capital cities.
