WeRide, Geely Farizon, and Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings partner to develop right-hand-drive Robotaxis for Hong Kong and global markets.
Quiver AI Summary
WeRide, a leader in autonomous driving technology, has announced a partnership with Geely Farizon and Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings to develop Robotaxis specifically for right-hand-drive markets. This collaboration aims to fill the existing gap in the market and will produce a purpose-built Robotaxi based on the GXR platform, designed for local regulations and operational needs. The initial deployment will occur in Hong Kong, leveraging its regulatory framework and international transport environment. The initiative highlights a strategic move towards enhancing urban mobility solutions in right-hand-drive regions, with potential expansions into other markets like Singapore and the UK. WeRide plans to scale its Robotaxi fleet significantly by 2030, supporting the broader commercialization of autonomous vehicles globally.
Potential Positives
- WeRide's partnership with Geely Farizon and Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings to develop a purpose-built Robotaxi for right-hand-drive markets marks a significant expansion of its product offerings and addresses a currently unmet need in the market.
- The introduction of right-hand-drive Robotaxis in Hong Kong is expected to establish WeRide as a leader in the emerging global right-hand-drive autonomous vehicle sector, with potential scalability to other key markets.
- This collaboration enhances WeRide's credibility and visibility in the autonomous driving industry, building on prior successes and partnerships in multiple global cities.
- The planned fleet expansion to 2,600 vehicles by the end of 2026, with ambitions to scale to tens of thousands by 2030, signifies WeRide's aggressive growth strategy and commitment to increasing its market presence.
Potential Negatives
- The press release does not provide specific details on the timeline for the rollout of the right-hand-drive Robotaxi, which may raise concerns about the timeliness and feasibility of the project.
- While the announcement highlights global ambitions, the lack of immediate competitive differentiation from other players in the autonomous driving space could be seen as a weakness.
- There is no mention of existing regulatory challenges or potential public acceptance issues in the deployment of autonomous vehicles in the new markets, which could pose significant risks to the project.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the WeRide and Geely Farizon partnership?
The partnership aims to develop right-hand-drive Robotaxis tailored for specific market needs, enhancing urban mobility solutions.
When will the commercial launch of right-hand-drive Robotaxis occur?
The commercial deployment of right-hand-drive Robotaxis is set to begin in Hong Kong.
How does the new Robotaxi model accommodate local regulations?
The Robotaxi's design is expressly tailored to meet local regulations, road conditions, and operational requirements for right-hand-drive markets.
What markets are targeted for the expansion of Robotaxi services?
The rollout will initially focus on Hong Kong, with plans to expand to other right-hand-drive markets like Singapore and the UK.
What has been WeRide's previous success with Robotaxi operations?
WeRide has achieved fully driverless commercial operations of its Robotaxi in cities like Beijing, Guangzhou, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai.
Disclaimer: This is an AI-generated summary of a press release distributed by GlobeNewswire. The model used to summarize this release may make mistakes. See the full release here.
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Full Release
HONG KONG, June 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD, HKEX: 0800), a global leader in autonomous driving technology, today announced the joint development of Robotaxis specifically designed for right-hand-drive markets, as part of a strategic partnership with Geely Farizon New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group (Geely Farizon), China’s top new energy commercial vehicle brand, and Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings Limited, a leading public transport operator in Hong Kong at the 2026 International Automotive & Supply Chain Expo (Hong Kong).
Given the current lack of right-hand-drive Robotaxis in the market, this collaboration delivers a customized solution specifically tailored for right-hand-drive systems. By leveraging their respective strengths in autonomous driving innovation, new energy vehicle manufacturing, and public transport operations, the purpose-built, mass-produced right-hand-drive Robotaxi will be designed based on the existing production-ready GXR platform. The deployment of commercial right-hand-drive Robotaxi services will begin in Hong Kong , bringing transformative autonomous mobility solutions to right-hand-drive markets worldwide.
Song Zhaohuan, Vice President of Geely Farizon New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group; Li Yifan, Vice President of WeRide; and Timothy Wong, Executive Director of Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings, sign a cooperation agreement, witnessed by Mike Fan, CEO of Geely Farizon New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group; Dr. Tony Han, Founder and CEO of WeRide; and Matthew Wong, Chairman of Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings Limited.
Group photo on site
"Globalization has always been central to WeRide’s strategy with our autonomous vehicles having been deployed in over 40 cities across 12 countries. We are proud to partner with Geely Farizon and Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings Limited on this collaboration. It represents an important breakthrough for autonomous driving in dense, complex urban environments worldwide and will help unlock broader opportunities in global right-hand-drive markets," said Dr. Tony Han, Founder and CEO of WeRide.
Mike Fan, CEO of Geely Farizon New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group, added, “The development of this new model reflects our deep exploration of the future of urban mobility. This collaboration establishes a complete, end-to-end commercial ecosystem spanning technology development, vehicle manufacturing, and operational deployment. We believe that, with Hong Kong as a strategic gateway, the ‘Hong Kong pathway’ will set a benchmark for smart transportation upgrades in right-hand-drive markets globally.”
Matthew Wong , Chairman of Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings, said, “Kwoon Chung has witnessed and contributed to the evolution of transportation in Hong Kong. Faced with soaring oil prices and a shortage of bus drivers, we have proactively embraced intelligent and eco-friendly technologies to transform the industry. Through close collaboration, we aim to deliver a safe, efficient, and sustainable public mobility experience, further strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a global smart city.”
WeRide Robotaxi GXR Exhibition Site
The new Robotaxi model is purpose-built for right-hand-drive markets, with its design tailored to local regulations, road conditions, and operational requirements. It seamlessly integrates perception, decision-making, control, and human-machine interaction to ensure a safe and smooth experience for riders.
Illustration of WeRide’s right-hand-drive Robotaxi
Hong Kong is among the first deployment markets for the new right-hand-drive Robotaxi, and is supported by its highly international transport environment and robust regulatory framework. Together, the three companies will accelerate product validation, testing, and initial commercial operations, developing a scalable and replicable model globally. The commercial launch of right-hand-drive Robotaxi in Hong Kong aligns with China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) priorities of growing intelligent connected new energy vehicles and piloting new tech. It is expected to serve as a model for Chinese autonomous driving and intelligent connected vehicle to enter other key right-hand-drive markets including Singapore, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia , leveraging proven local experience to support broader global expansion.
WeRide Robotaxi in Hong Kong
The rollout of the right-hand-drive Robotaxi will allow WeRide to establish dual capabilities across both right- and left-hand-drive Robotaxi production and operations, enabling a comprehensive product portfolio tailored to diverse global traffic systems, to enhance adaptability and scalability, while accelerating the commercialization of autonomous driving worldwide.
WeRide Robotaxi in Dubai
This collaboration builds on WeRide and Geely Farizon's strong partnership in mass-produced Robotaxis and commercial deployment. In October 2024, the two companies jointly launched the next-generation, mass-produced Robotaxi GXR based on the Farizon SV. Within just four months, it achieved fully driverless commercial operations in Beijing, followed by Guangzhou in August 2025. In March this year, the two companies signed an upgraded agreement to introduce a newly enhanced version of the purpose-built, mass-produced Robotaxi GXR.
Founded in 2017, WeRide has consistently led Robotaxi technology development and commercialization, with operations established across key global markets including Guangzhou, Beijing, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Riyadh, and Zurich. The Robotaxi GXR has now achieved fully driverless commercial operations in four cities: Guangzhou, Beijing, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai.
The development of right-hand-drive Robotaxis will accelerate WeRide's global Robotaxi expansion, with plans to expand its fleet to 2,600 vehicles by end-2026 and scale to tens of thousands by 2030 .
About WeRide
WeRide is a global leader and a first mover in the autonomous driving industry, as well as the first publicly traded Robotaxi company. Our autonomous vehicles have been deployed in over 40 cities across 12 countries. We are also the first and only technology company whose products have received autonomous driving permits in eight markets: China, the UAE, Singapore, France, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, Belgium, and the US. Empowered by the smart, versatile, cost-effective, and highly adaptable WeRide One platform, WeRide provides autonomous driving products and services from L2 to L4, addressing transportation needs in the mobility, logistics, and sanitation industries. WeRide was named to Fortune's 2025 Change the World and 2025 Future 50 lists.
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Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking" statements pursuant to the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expect," "anticipate," "target," "future," "intend," "plan," "believe," "estimate," "may," and similar expressions. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about WeRide's beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in WeRide's filings with the SEC and HKEX. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and WeRide undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required by applicable law.
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
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