WeRide Inc.(US:WRD) Nan Fang Du Shi Bao·2025-05-29 10:44Core Insights - The article highlights the strategic expansion of the Chinese autonomous driving company, WeRide (文远知行), into the Saudi Arabian market, marking a significant step in its global layout [2][5] - WeRide's deployment in Saudi Arabia includes a comprehensive ecosystem of autonomous vehicles, including Robotaxi, Robobus, and Robosweeper, aimed at addressing various transportation needs [2][3] Group 1: Market Expansion - WeRide has officially announced its market expansion strategy in Saudi Arabia, which aligns with the country's Vision 2030 to transform 25% of public transportation to autonomous driving by 2030 [2][3] - The company has completed preliminary testing and plans to launch Robotaxi services through the Uber platform in the coming months, with full commercialization expected by 2025 [2][3] Group 2: Product Deployment - The Robobus has been tested in high-traffic areas such as the King Fahd Medical City and Aramco employee communities, demonstrating its ability to operate reliably in extreme temperatures [3] - The Robobus is designed to complement the newly opened Riyadh Metro, addressing the "last mile" transportation challenge [3] Group 3: Competitive Positioning - WeRide's localized adaptation capabilities are seen as a key to unlocking the Saudi market, contrasting with Western companies that often struggle with standardized technology [3] - The company has expanded its Robotaxi services in Abu Dhabi and plans to deploy in Dubai, further solidifying its presence in the Middle East [4][5] Group 4: Global Collaboration - WeRide has established a global partnership network, holding Robotaxi licenses in multiple countries, including the U.S., South Korea, and Luxembourg, enhancing its collaborative ecosystem [5] - The partnership with Uber aims to expand Robotaxi services to 15 additional international cities over the next five years, showcasing the company's commitment to global urban mobility solutions [4][5]