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WeRide, a global leader in autonomous driving technology, has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by obtaining France’s Level-4 driverless public road testing and operating permit in partnership with beti, a prominent French autonomous mobility network operator. This accomplishment positions WeRide as the first and only technology company to secure driverless permits in five countries: China, the UAE, Singapore, France, and the U.S. Announced by WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD), this permit allows its autonomous minibus to operate at speeds up to 40 km/h, marking a significant step forward in autonomous mobility. The achievement highlights WeRide’s dedication to safety, compliance, and innovation on a global scale.
Key Highlights:
- First tech company with driverless permits across five countries
- Fastest permit approval in France, completed in just three months
- Highest-speed driverless permit in France, up to 40 km/h
- Europe’s first public-road commercial autonomous minibus service launched in Valence, France
- Strategic partnerships with industry giants like Uber, Renault Group, and Macif
The permit acquisition process in France, regulated under the 2019 PACTE law, involves rigorous evaluations by multiple government agencies, including the Directorate General for Energy and Climate (DGEC), the Ministry of the Interior, and the Ministry of Ecological Transition. WeRide and beti completed this complex process in a record-breaking three months, showcasing their efficiency and commitment to meeting Europe’s stringent safety and operational standards. This milestone reinforces WeRide’s ability to navigate diverse regulatory landscapes worldwide.
On February 27, WeRide teamed up with beti, Renault Group, and Macif to launch Europe’s first public-road commercial autonomous minibus service in Valence, Drôme, France. The newly acquired permit provides essential regulatory support for this initiative, with plans to introduce fully driverless operations using one-to-multiple remote hypervision by July 2025. This service represents a major advancement in accessible and sustainable urban transportation.
WeRide’s global footprint spans 30 cities across 10 countries, with its fleet of autonomous vehicles—including robotaxis, robobuses, and robosweepers—deployed in nations like France, Spain, Switzerland, Singapore, the UAE, and Japan. Through partnerships with leading companies such as Uber, Renault Group, beti, CTM, Zurich Airport, and Macif, WeRide continues to build an open and collaborative ecosystem, driving the future of autonomous mobility with cutting-edge technology and scalability.
This achievement not only solidifies WeRide’s leadership in the autonomous driving sector but also sets the stage for expanded commercial operations, bringing safe and reliable smart mobility solutions to communities worldwide.
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