Hello followers! Today, we’re diving into some exciting news from the transportation world. Buckle up, because Uber is accelerating its autonomous vehicle plans with a hefty investment in WeRide!
Uber and Chinese tech giant WeRide are teaming up to expand their robotaxi service into 15 more cities over the next five years. This move follows their recent launch of a robotaxi operation in Abu Dhabi, proving their commitment to autonomous mobility.
As part of their growth strategy, Uber is pouring an additional $100 million into WeRide, with the funds expected to arrive by late 2025. This will allow the companies to broaden their reach, including new markets in Europe and beyond. The robotaxi fleet will be accessible via Uber’s app, making autonomous rides more accessible worldwide.
The partnership mirrors Uber’s existing relationship with Waymo, where Uber manages network routing and fleet management while Waymo handles the self-driving technology. Currently, Uber and WeRide operate in Abu Dhabi, collaborating with local partners like Tawasul Transport, and plan to expand to Dubai and other international markets.
Most of these new cities will be outside of China and the U.S., focusing on markets with emerging autonomous vehicle opportunities. Uber’s recent collaborations include partnerships with May Mobility, Volkswagen, and Momenta, with ongoing operations in places like Austin and upcoming plans for Atlanta.
This story originally published on May 5, highlights Uber’s growing commitment to autonomous vehicles and its strategic alliances with numerous tech companies to remain at the forefront of transportation innovation.