WeRide Inc.(US:WRD) Ge Long Hui·2025-09-11 09:04Core Insights - WeRide has officially launched its autonomous shuttle, Robobus, in Leuven, Belgium, marking its entry into the eleventh global market and further expanding its European operations after France, Spain, and Switzerland [1][4] Group 1: Project Launch and Operations - The Robobus will begin mapping the route from Leuven Station to Heverlee, connecting key transport hubs in a densely trafficked area typical of Belgian urban transport [2] - Public road testing is scheduled to start in mid-September 2023, with safety personnel on board during the initial phase [2] - If testing is successful and approved by the Ministry of Transport, trial operations are expected to commence between mid-November 2025 and the end of January 2026, representing Belgium's first commercial deployment of autonomous vehicles in a mixed traffic environment [2][5] Group 2: Strategic Partnerships and Goals - WeRide's CFO highlighted the strategic importance of entering Belgium, viewing Europe as a key market for autonomous vehicles due to strong public investment and clear commercialization pathways [4] - The project is a collaboration with local public transport operator De Lijn, Leuven city government, and mobility consultancy Espaces-Mobilités, aiming to enhance public transport and achieve fully autonomous operations in the future [4][6] Group 3: Broader Implications and Support - The initiative is supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) Urban Mobility project, which focuses on accelerating the transition to sustainable transport through strong public-private partnerships [6] - Leuven was chosen as a pilot city due to its strategic location and commitment to innovative projects that optimize urban space and integrate autonomous vehicles into the broader transport network [6] Group 4: Expansion Plans - Beyond Belgium, WeRide is also expanding into other European markets, having initiated mapping work for its Robotaxi in Switzerland and launched the first public road Robobus operation in France earlier this year [8]