Uber, WeRide Plan Robotaxi Expansion to 15 Cities
Uber and Chinese autonomous vehicle firm WeRide have announced plans to expand their robotaxi collaboration to 15 additional cities within the next five years. This decision follows the success of their initial rollout in Abu Dhabi just five months ago. Through this partnership, WeRide’s self-driving cars can be accessed directly via the Uber app, allowing for a seamless user experience.
Interestingly, the structure mirrors Uber’s ongoing collaboration with Waymo. In that relationship, Uber manages the fleet and routing logistics, while Waymo handles the self-driving technology. Similarly, in Abu Dhabi, Uber and WeRide collaborate with local company Tawasul Transport to oversee fleet operations. Plans are also underway to launch services in Dubai, marking another strategic step in their Middle East expansion.
Global Expansion Strategy
The 15 additional cities will be selected outside of China and the United States, with a focus on Europe and the Middle East. This move highlights both companies’ ambitions to tap into international markets where autonomous vehicle regulation is beginning to mature. Moreover, offering WeRide’s robotaxi through the Uber app gives Uber an edge in new regions where local players may not yet dominate.
Over the past two years, Uber has formed over 15 partnerships with various autonomous vehicle companies. These partnerships span across sectors like ride-hailing, freight, and delivery, showing Uber’s broader push into automation. Recently, Uber struck deals with firms such as May Mobility from Michigan, Volkswagen, and China’s Momenta, indicating its commitment to being a key player in the autonomous transport landscape.
What’s Next?
Currently, Uber’s most visible U.S. robotaxi project is with Waymo, active in cities like Austin and soon in Atlanta. However, the expanded partnership with WeRide signals a wider global ambition. If successful, this effort could reshape urban transportation by increasing access to safe, efficient, and autonomous ride options. As cities adapt to accommodate this shift, Uber and WeRide are clearly positioning themselves as leaders in the next generation of mobility.
