WeRide receives Shanghai permit for Level 4 Robotaxi services, partnering with Chery and Jinjiang to enhance urban mobility.
Quiver AI Summary
WeRide, a leader in autonomous driving technology, has received a permit from the Shanghai municipal government to launch Level 4 (L4) autonomous Robotaxi services in Pudong New Area. This permit, awarded during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC 2025), allows WeRide to operate Robotaxis in partnership with Chery Group and Jinjiang Taxi, marking the company's entry into its tenth city globally. At the event, they showcased the new Robotaxi model, CER, which is designed for comprehensive ride-hailing services, featuring a suite of advanced safety systems and technologies. WeRide has extensive global experience, having tested or operated its Robotaxi services across multiple cities in various countries, and aims to enhance collaboration with global partners to further advance autonomous driving technology and expand its commercial services.
Potential Positives
- WeRide has received a permit to operate Level 4 autonomous Robotaxi services in Shanghai, marking a significant regulatory milestone for the company.
- The introduction of Robotaxi services in Pudong New Area represents WeRide's entry into its tenth city globally, showcasing its expanding market reach and capabilities.
- WeRide's partnership with Chery Group and Jinjiang Taxi highlights collaboration with established industry players, enhancing its credibility and operational capacity in the autonomous vehicle market.
- The unveiled CER Robotaxi model utilizes advanced safety and sensor technologies, reinforcing WeRide's position as a leader in the development of autonomous driving solutions.
Potential Negatives
- While WeRide touts its autonomous driving technology leadership, potential concerns about the safety and reliability of Level 4 autonomous vehicles in urban environments may impact public perception and regulatory scrutiny.
- The press release highlights partnerships with third-party companies, which might raise questions about WeRide's independence and reliance on external entities for critical aspects of its technology and operations.
- Limited details about the scalability and long-term sustainability of their operations could lead to skepticism regarding the company's ability to maintain competitiveness in the rapidly evolving autonomous vehicle market.
FAQ
What is the latest permit obtained by WeRide?
WeRide has been granted a permit to operate Level 4 autonomous Robotaxi services in Shanghai.
Where will WeRide's Robotaxi services be available?
The Robotaxi services will be available on public roads in the Pudong New Area of Shanghai.
What event coincided with the launch of WeRide's Robotaxi service?
The launch occurred during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC 2025) in Shanghai.
Which partners are involved in WeRide's Robotaxi project?
WeRide partnered with Chery Group and Jinjiang Taxi to develop the Robotaxi shuttle service.
How many cities has WeRide operated in globally?
WeRide has launched Robotaxi operations in ten cities worldwide, including Shanghai.
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.
Full Release
SHANGHAI, China, July 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD), a global leader of autonomous driving technology, has been granted a permit from the Shanghai municipal government to operate regulation-compliant, Level 4 (L4) autonomous Robotaxi ride-hailing services . Issued during the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC 2025) in Shanghai, the permit enables WeRide, in partnership with Chery Group and Jinjiang Taxi, to deploy Robotaxis on public roads in Pudong New Area. This milestone also marks the WeRide Robotaxi’s official entry into its tenth city globally .
As part of WAIC’s Level 4 Intelligent Vehicle Experience Showcase, the three partners jointly launched the event’s only fully mass-produced, pre-installed L4 Robotaxi shuttle service. The service connects key Shanghai transport hubs and cultural-tourism landmarks, including the Shanghai World Expo Center, Jinqiao, Huamu, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, and Shanghai Disney Resort. Residents, tourists, and conference attendees are able to book rides through the “Jinjiang Smart Mobility” WeChat mini-program.
WeRide, Chery Group, and Jinjiang Taxi jointly launched a Robotaxi shuttle service at WAIC 2025
WeRide, a pioneer and leader in the Robotaxi industry, and Chery Group, China’s first independent brand to exceed one million vehicle sales, have joined forces to develop a new generation of mass-produced Robotaxis. Chery’s premium new energy vehicle brand, EXEED, is advancing rapidly in smart, connected, and electric mobility, with significant progress in EV platform architecture.
Together, they unveiled their jointly developed Robotaxi model — the CER — at Auto Shanghai 2025. The CER is built on WeRide’s universal autonomous driving platform, WeRide One, and EXEED’s STERRA ET vehicle architecture.
At WAIC 2025, WeRide and Chery showcased the CER in active operation. Equipped with WeRide’s High-Performance Computing platform and Sensor Suite 5.6, the CER features over 20 sensors — including cost-efficient LiDARs, HD cameras, and RTK-precision navigation modules — and incorporates five layers of redundant safety systems (steering, braking, parking, communication, and power supply redundancy). The CER’s spacious interior and extended range on the EXEED STERRA ET platform enable it to support long-distance, all-scenario, high-frequency driverless shuttle services.
Founded in 2017, WeRide has been at the forefront of Robotaxi R&D and commercial deployment. It has launched Robotaxi testing or operations across nine cities in three countries , including Beijing, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Suzhou, Ordos, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Riyadh, and Zurich, accumulating over 2,000 days of safe operation. The approval of the permit in Shanghai marks WeRide's entry into its tenth city globally, showcasing the company’s robust autonomous driving technology and efficient global deployment capabilities.
Looking ahead, WeRide will deepen collaborations with global partners to accelerate Robotaxi technological advancements, scale commercial deployments, and elevate service standards — driving cities worldwide toward a smarter, safer, and more connected transportation future.
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 tested or operated in over 30 cities across 10 countries. We are also the first and only technology company whose products have received autonomous driving permits in five markets: China, the UAE, Singapore, France, 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 in Fortune Magazine’s 2024 “The Future 50” list.
Media Contact
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/23ee4547-bca6-4549-a555-09abba113e6c
