On September 25, 2024, WeRide, a leading autonomous driving technology company, announced a strategic partnership with Uber Technologies, Inc., the largest mobility and delivery service company in the world. Together, they will introduce WeRide's self-driving vehicles on the Uber platform, starting operations in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The collaboration will officially begin in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, by the end of this year. A fleet of WeRide's self-driving cars will be made available through the Uber app, providing an additional transportation option for local riders. After the launch, passengers using the Uber app will have the choice to select WeRide’s autonomous vehicles for their trips. It’s important to note that this partnership will not extend to the U.S. or Chinese markets.
Currently, WeRide operates the largest fleet of robotaxis in the UAE, allowing residents to access self-driving taxi services through the TXAI app. In July 2023, WeRide received the UAE’s first and only national license for fully autonomous driving, allowing them to test and operate their self-driving vehicles on public roads throughout the country.
WeRide’s founder and CEO, Han Xu, stated, "We are honored to partner with Uber to bring our technology to international markets. By combining our strengths and expertise, we aim to provide essential, affordable, sustainable, and safe mobility solutions for users worldwide." Uber's CEO, Dara Khosrowshahi, added, "We are excited to collaborate with WeRide. It’s clear that the future of transportation will increasingly be shared, electric, and automated. We look forward to working with leading autonomous driving companies like WeRide to deliver the benefits of this technology to people around the globe."