WeRide Inc.(US:WRD) IPO早知道·2025-11-11 09:48Core Viewpoint - WeRide has received approval from the UAE federal government to operate a fully autonomous Robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant milestone in the commercialization of autonomous driving outside the United States [2][3]. Licensing and Operations - The license allows WeRide to operate Robotaxi services without a safety driver, initially through Uber and TXAI platforms in Abu Dhabi, with more operational details to be announced soon [3]. - The approval was granted by the Regulations Lab under the UAE Cabinet Secretariat, which evaluates innovative projects for future economic development [4]. - WeRide previously obtained the first autonomous driving road test license in the UAE in July 2023, allowing nationwide testing and operations under regulatory requirements [5]. Collaboration and Expansion Plans - Since 2021, WeRide has collaborated with TXAI for public Robotaxi operations in Abu Dhabi, and plans to launch a partnership with Uber in December 2024, creating one of the largest Robotaxi fleets outside of China and the U.S. [5]. - By July 2025, the operational area will expand to cover nearly half of Abu Dhabi's core urban areas, including Al Reem Island and Al Maryah Island, with full coverage expected by the end of 2025 [5]. Performance Metrics - As of October 2025, WeRide's Robotaxi service in Abu Dhabi has accumulated nearly 1 million kilometers of driving distance, and the new license allows for the elimination of safety drivers, enabling the service to achieve break-even on a per-vehicle basis [6]. - Testing for the fully autonomous Robotaxi service began in the second quarter of 2025, focusing on verifying the reliability of the autonomous driving system [6]. Future Growth - This landmark license lays a solid foundation for WeRide's expansion in the Middle East, with plans to grow the Robotaxi fleet to 1,000 vehicles by 2026 and potentially to tens of thousands by 2030 [8].