A partnership between WeRide and Uber means WeRide’s autonomous vehicles will be integrated into the Uber platform, beginning in the United Arab Emirates.
The new service will launch in Abu Dhabi later this year. A dedicated number of WeRide vehicles will be available to Uber app customers. Post-launch, when a user requests a ride on the Uber app, they may be presented with the option to take their trip in a WeRide autonomous vehicle. The partnership does not contemplate any launches in the US or China.
WeRide currently operates the largest robotaxi fleet in the UAE, where residents can access its robotaxi services through the TXAI app. In July 2023, the company was granted the UAE’s first and only national license for self-driving vehicles, enabling it to test and operate its autonomous vehicles on roads across the country.
Tony Han, founder and CEO of WeRide, said, “We are honored to partner with Uber to continue to bring our technology to global markets. Together, we aim to combine our collective experience and expertise to deliver much-needed, affordable, sustainable and safe mobility solutions to a global audience.”
Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber, said, “Uber is very excited to partner with WeRide. It’s clear that the future of mobility will be increasingly shared, electric and autonomous, and we look forward to working with leading AV companies like WeRide to help bring the benefits of autonomous technology to cities around the world.”