Uber and WeRide Expand Robotaxi Partnership to 15 More Cities Including Europe
Uber and Chinese autonomous vehicle company WeRide are expanding their commercial robotaxi partnership to 15 additional cities over the next five years, including locations in Europe. This follows their initial launch in Abu Dhabi and plans to add Dubai. The collaboration integrates WeRide’s AV technology with Uber’s network and fleet operations, similar to Uber’s partnership with Waymo. The expansion targets cities outside China and the U.S., reflecting Uber’s broader strategy of partnering with multiple AV firms globally.
Uber and Chinese autonomous vehicle technology company WeRide have announced plans to expand their commercial robotaxi partnership to an additional 15 cities over the next five years, including several in Europe. This expansion builds on their initial commercial launch in Abu Dhabi five months ago and includes plans to add Dubai as well.
Under this partnership, WeRide provides the autonomous vehicle technology, while Uber manages network routing and fleet operations through its app. This model mirrors Uber’s existing collaboration with Waymo, where Uber handles customer-facing operations and Waymo supplies the self-driving technology.
In Abu Dhabi, Uber and WeRide collaborate with local operator Tawasul Transport to manage fleet operations. The upcoming expansion will focus on cities outside of China and the United States, reflecting Uber’s strategy to broaden its autonomous vehicle footprint globally.
Over the past two years, Uber has formed more than 15 partnerships with autonomous vehicle companies across ride-hailing, delivery, and trucking sectors. Recent deals include collaborations with May Mobility, Volkswagen, and Chinese self-driving firm Momenta. Uber’s most prominent U.S. partnership is with Waymo, offering robotaxi services in Austin and soon in Atlanta.
Broader Significance and Industry Impact
The expansion of Uber and WeRide’s robotaxi service highlights the accelerating adoption of autonomous vehicle technology in urban transportation. By leveraging strategic partnerships, Uber can scale AV services efficiently while allowing technology providers like WeRide to focus on innovation. This model reduces barriers to market entry and promotes wider availability of self-driving ride-hailing services globally.
For cities, robotaxi services can offer safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly transportation options. The integration of AV technology with established ride-hailing platforms also supports urban mobility goals and can reduce traffic congestion and emissions over time.
As autonomous vehicle technology matures, partnerships like Uber and WeRide’s serve as a blueprint for how ride-hailing companies and AV developers can collaborate to accelerate commercial deployment and expand service coverage internationally.
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