China robotaxi operator WeRide aims to expand its service to foreign markets, including Japan, by 2025
WeRide, which operates a robot taxi business in China, is aiming to expand overseas and hopes to roll out its services in Japan, Europe, the Middle East, and other countries.
China's WeRide Wants to Build Global Robotaxi Empire - WSJ
China's WeRide starts third European self-driving trial in Switzerland | South China Morning Post
https://www.scmp.com/business/china-business/article/3294694/chinas-weride-starts-third-european-self-driving-trial-switzerland
WeRide is a startup that offers a number of autonomous driving-related services, including robotaxis and self-driving buses. It already operates driverless vehicles, including fully autonomous vehicles ( Level 4 ) under certain conditions, in 30 cities in nine countries.
In an interview with The Wall Street Journal, the company's CEO, Tony Hung, said, 'We want to serve the global market,' indicating that the company is betting on growing demand for robot taxis and related services, and that it plans to further expand overseas by 2025.
WeRide has already partnered with the Swiss national rail operator to put vehicles equipped with WeRide's technology on the roads of the Fürthal region of Switzerland, and has also won a contract to sell specially designed robobuses to 'Japan's largest autonomous bus operator,' according to Han.
WeRide, which
In 2025, Zurich Airport in Switzerland will become the first airport in Europe to introduce WeRide's self-driving shuttle service, providing buses for airport staff between the employee entrance and maintenance areas.
As the service seeks to expand, it is coming under scrutiny in the West.
In January 2025, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced a ban on imports of Chinese-made hardware and software for internet-enabled vehicles. European government officials have also expressed similar concerns. Some have pointed out that the background to these concerns is China's superiority over Western countries in the development of autonomous and electric vehicle technology and infrastructure.
However, some argue that such restrictions are no match for convenience. Consulting firm Shanghai Mingliang Auto Service expressed optimism, saying, 'The trade barriers imposed by US and EU authorities will not prevent Chinese companies from promoting their products and services in Western markets because there is market demand.'
'We want to serve the global market. Wherever there's a need for driverless taxis and buses, we want to go,' said WeRide CEO Han. 'If a country is not friendly to us, we have to take that into consideration.' He added that geopolitical relations are an important factor to consider when expanding overseas, 'Right now, we believe the Middle East and Europe are the best places for our expansion.'
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