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WeRide, a global leader in autonomous driving technology, has announced the first European fully driverless commercial deployment of its Robobus. This milestone is part of a shuttle service partnership with beti, Renault Group, and Macif, featuring an L4-level automated mobility service in France’s Drôme region. The service, set to begin on March 10, marks WeRide’s expansion into Europe and highlights its expertise in autonomous driving, offering a sustainable and efficient transport solution on open roads.
Key Highlights
- WeRide’s first fully driverless commercial Robobus deployment in Europe.
- Collaboration with beti, Renault Group, and Macif.
- Features L4-level automation for high autonomy.
- Robobus carries eight passengers in mixed traffic.
- Launches March 10 at Rovaltain business park – Valence TGV station.
- Covers a 3.3 km route, connecting key locations.
- Pioneers automated service linking a railway station to a business park.
WeRide’s L4-level autonomous technology powers this service, utilizing several six-meter-long robobuses operated by beti Automated Mobility. Each vehicle can transport eight passengers and will navigate open roads in mixed traffic. The service kicks off on March 10 at the Rovaltain business park – Valence TGV station in Drôme, providing a cutting-edge mobility option for the region.
Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International Business at WeRide, stated, “Our collaboration with beti allows us to execute our inaugural commercial Robobus deployment in Europe, utilizing our proven track record in the Chinese, Singaporean, and Middle Eastern markets, and ultimately reinforcing our position as a global leader in L4 autonomous driving deployment and commercialization.”
Benjamin Beaudet, CEO of beti, explained that beti’s “hypervision” solution provides a second layer of safety for automated driving and ensures continuous improvement of the system.
The 3.3 km route connects the train station, off-site long-term parking, a business park catering hub, and 150 companies employing 3,000 people. This deployment offers flexible mobility between the station and businesses, promotes sustainable last-mile transport, and provides a low-carbon alternative to walking from parking areas to the station.
This initiative stands out as WeRide’s first fully driverless commercial Robobus deployment in Europe, underscoring its global reach. It’s also the first high-level automated service linking a railway station to a business park. The L4 technology allows the Robobus to travel at speeds up to 40 km/h while dynamically avoiding obstacles.
Patrick Vergelas, Head of Autonomous Mobility Projects at Renault Group, commented, “Following successful trials conducted by Renault Group and WeRide, the beginnings of a passenger transport service using automated shuttles are now being set up in Valence.”
The service will begin with an initial learning phase from March 10 to April 19, running Monday to Friday under real passenger conditions. This phase will test the service’s relevance, safety, and efficiency. A second operational phase is planned to start in July, further expanding this innovative transport solution.
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