WeRide and Uber Partner to Bring Autonomous Vehicles to the Uber Platform, Beginning in the United Arab Emirates

Rhea-AI Summary

WeRide, a global autonomous driving technology company, and Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: UBER) have announced a strategic partnership to bring WeRide's autonomous vehicles onto the Uber platform, starting in the United Arab Emirates. The partnership is set to launch first in Abu Dhabi later this year, with a dedicated number of WeRide vehicles available to consumers using the Uber app.

WeRide currently operates the largest robotaxi fleet in the UAE, accessible through the TXAI app. In July 2023, WeRide was granted the UAE's first and only national license for self-driving vehicles, allowing it to test and operate autonomous vehicles on public roads across the entire country.

The partnership aims to combine WeRide's technology with Uber's platform to deliver affordable, sustainable, and safe mobility solutions globally. However, the partnership does not contemplate any launches in the United States or China.

Positive

• Strategic partnership between WeRide and Uber to bring autonomous vehicles to the Uber platform
• Launch of autonomous vehicle service on Uber platform in Abu Dhabi later this year
• WeRide operates the largest robotaxi fleet in the UAE
• WeRide granted UAE's first and only national license for self-driving vehicles

Negative

• None.

Insights

Technology Analyst

This partnership between Uber and WeRide marks a significant step in the commercialization of autonomous vehicle (AV) technology. By integrating WeRide's AVs into Uber's platform in the UAE, both companies are positioning themselves at the forefront of the evolving mobility landscape. The UAE's progressive regulatory environment, evidenced by WeRide's national license for self-driving vehicles, provides an ideal testbed for this technology.

For Uber, this move aligns with its long-term strategy of incorporating autonomous vehicles into its service offering, potentially reducing operational costs and expanding its technological capabilities. It also allows Uber to gain valuable data and experience in AV operations without the full burden of developing the technology in-house.

WeRide stands to benefit from Uber's vast user base and operational expertise in ride-hailing. This partnership could accelerate WeRide's path to profitability and provide important real-world validation of its technology at scale. However, the geographical scope of the partnership (excluding the US and China) may constrain its immediate impact on both companies' global operations.

Market Research Analyst

This partnership has the potential to reshape the ride-hailing market in the UAE and set a precedent for similar collaborations globally. The UAE's relatively small size and advanced infrastructure make it an ideal market for testing and refining AV services. Success here could pave the way for expansion into other receptive markets.

From a market perspective, this move positions both Uber and WeRide ahead of competitors in the race to commercialize autonomous ride-hailing. It could potentially attract more investment into both companies and the AV sector as a whole. However, consumer adoption and trust in AV technology will be important factors to monitor.

The partnership also highlights the growing trend of collaboration between traditional ride-hailing companies and AV technology providers. This model could become increasingly common as companies seek to balance innovation with operational efficiency. Investors should watch for similar partnerships forming in other markets as indicators of industry trends.

SAN FRANCISCO & GUANGZHOU, China--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- WeRide, a global leading autonomous driving technology company, and Uber Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: UBER), the world’s largest mobility and delivery technology platform, today announced a strategic partnership to bring WeRide’s autonomous vehicles onto the Uber platform, beginning in the United Arab Emirates.

The partnership is expected to launch first in Abu Dhabi later this year. A dedicated number of WeRide vehicles will be made available to consumers using the Uber app. After launch, when a rider requests a qualifying ride on the Uber app, they may be presented with the option to have their trip fulfilled by a WeRide autonomous vehicle. The partnership does not contemplate any launches in the United States or China.

WeRide currently operates the largest robotaxi fleet in the UAE, where residents can access its robotaxi services through the TXAI app. In addition, in July 2023, WeRide was granted the UAE’s first and only national license for self-driving vehicles, enabling it to test and operate its autonomous vehicles on public roads across the entire country.

Tony Han, founder and CEO of WeRide said: “We are honored to partner with Uber to continue to bring our technology to global markets. Together, we aim to combine our collective experience and expertise to deliver much needed, affordable, sustainable and safe mobility solutions to a global audience.”

Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber said: “Uber is very excited to partner with WeRide. It’s clear that the future of mobility will be increasingly shared, electric, and autonomous, and we look forward to working with leading AV companies like WeRide to help bring the benefits of autonomous technology to cities around the world.”

About WeRide

WeRide is a global leader and a first mover in the autonomous driving industry. 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 the vast majority of transportation needs across the widest range of use cases on the open road, including in the mobility, logistics, and sanitation industries. In September 2023, WeRide earned a prestigious position among the top ten on Fortune Magazine’s “2023 Change the World” list.

About Uber

Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. We started in 2010 to solve a simple problem: how do you get access to a ride at the touch of a button? More than 52 billion trips later, we’re building products to get people closer to where they want to be. By changing how people, food, and things move through cities, Uber is a platform that opens up the world to new possibilities.

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,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to,” and similar statements. 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. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and WeRide does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240925163715/en/

WeRide

pr@weride.ai



Uber

press@uber.com

Source: Uber Technologies, Inc.

FAQ

When will WeRide's autonomous vehicles be available on Uber's platform in the UAE?

WeRide's autonomous vehicles are expected to be available on Uber's platform in Abu Dhabi later this year, with plans to expand to other parts of the UAE.

Will Uber (UBER) offer autonomous vehicle rides in the United States or China through this partnership?

No, the partnership between WeRide and Uber (UBER) does not contemplate any launches in the United States or China at this time.

What is the significance of WeRide's national license for self-driving vehicles in the UAE?

WeRide's national license, granted in July 2023, is the first and only of its kind in the UAE. It enables WeRide to test and operate its autonomous vehicles on public roads across the entire country.

How can users currently access WeRide's robotaxi services in the UAE?

Currently, residents in the UAE can access WeRide's robotaxi services through the TXAI app. The partnership with Uber (UBER) will provide an additional platform for accessing these services.