WeRide Inc.(US:WRD) IPO早知道·2025-09-12 01:36Core Viewpoint - WeRide has expanded its European operations by launching its autonomous shuttle, Robobus, in Leuven, Belgium, marking its entry into the eleventh global market [3][4][6]. Group 1: Project Launch and Collaboration - The Robobus project is a collaboration between WeRide, De Lijn (Flanders public transport company), Leuven city government, and mobility consulting firm Espaces-Mobilités [3]. - Testing preparations for the Robobus route from Leuven station to Heverlee will begin, connecting key transport hubs in a typical urban traffic environment [3]. - Public road testing is scheduled to start in mid-September 2023, with a safety operator on board during the initial phase [3]. Group 2: Future Plans and Goals - 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 complex traffic [4]. - The ultimate goal for the Robobus is to achieve fully autonomous operation, enhancing safety and efficiency in urban transport [4]. Group 3: Strategic Importance and Market Potential - WeRide's CFO highlighted that entering Belgium is a strategic move for international expansion, as Europe is a key market for autonomous vehicles, with Belgium being a notable innovation hub for mobility [6]. - The project aims to leverage autonomous vehicles to improve road safety, alleviate traffic congestion, and provide reliable last-mile connectivity, especially for rural areas and individuals with mobility challenges [6]. Group 4: Broader European Expansion - In addition to Belgium, WeRide is accelerating its expansion into other European markets, including participation in the Intelligent Automated Mobility project in Switzerland and launching the first public road Robobus operation in France [4][6].