WeRide Becomes First Company to Secure Switzerland's Driverless Robotaxi Permit

Historic Regulatory Milestone

WeRide Inc. (NASDAQ:WRD) has achieved a significant breakthrough in autonomous vehicle deployment by securing Switzerland's first-ever driverless robotaxi permit from the Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) 1

1

. This landmark approval allows the company to operate fully autonomous vehicles on public roads in the Furttal region, marking a pivotal moment for autonomous transportation in Switzerland.

The permit represents more than just a regulatory approval—it positions WeRide as the only company worldwide with autonomous driving approvals across eight countries, including Switzerland, China, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, France, Belgium, and the United States 1

1

. This global regulatory footprint demonstrates the company's commitment to international expansion and its ability to navigate complex regulatory environments across diverse markets.

Operational Framework and Timeline

Under the "iamo" pilot program, WeRide's robotaxis will begin fully driverless commercial operations following comprehensive testing phases 1

1

. The approved operational scope covers an extensive 110-kilometer network with 460 stops, allowing vehicles to operate at speeds up to 80 kilometers per hour.

Currently, trials with safety drivers are underway across the Furttal region to ensure strict compliance with Swiss regulations. Once these trials are completed and approved, the vehicles will be remotely monitored by Eurobus, with fully autonomous passenger service expected to launch in the first half of 2026 2

2

.

Strategic Partnerships and Integration

WeRide is collaborating with Swiss Transit Lab to explore innovative ways to integrate driverless vehicles into Switzerland's existing public transportation system 2

2

. This partnership represents a forward-thinking approach to urban mobility, potentially creating a seamless integration between autonomous vehicles and traditional public transit infrastructure.

The company plans to eventually expand its Swiss operations to include a mixed fleet of robotaxis and robobuses, which would be the first of their kind in Switzerland 1

1

. This diversified approach could provide comprehensive autonomous transportation solutions for different passenger needs and route requirements.

Recent Global Developments

The Swiss permit comes amid a series of significant developments for WeRide globally. Last week, the company, in partnership with Grab Holdings Limited (NASDAQ:GRAB), received approval from Singapore's Land Transport Authority to begin autonomous vehicle testing with WeRide's full Autonomously Intelligent Ride fleet in the Punggol district 1

1

.

Additionally, WeRide recently announced that its one-stage, end-to-end Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), developed in collaboration with top-tier supplier Bosch, has officially entered mass production 1

1

. This development indicates the company's progress in scaling its technology for broader commercial deployment.

Market Response

The market has responded positively to these developments, with WeRide shares trading 3.78% higher at $7.420 in premarket trading following the announcement 1

1

. This positive market reaction reflects investor confidence in WeRide's expanding global presence and regulatory achievements in the competitive autonomous vehicle sector.