Uber Technologies Inc. has made a visionary move by increasing its investment in WeRide, a self-driving technology firm. They are getting their commercial robotaxi partnership supercharged after adding an unbelievable $100 million. This partnership will bring the robotaxi service to 15 additional cities in the next five years. It will focus on institutions beyond China and the U.S. in particular.
The news comes only five months after Uber and WeRide paired up to launch the world’s first commercial robotaxi service to operate beyond a testing basis in Abu Dhabi. As of now, the two companies are working with local partner Tawasul Transport to operate fleet operations in the capital city. They announced plans to expand Dubai to their commitment with the partnership, deepening their foothold in the Middle East even more.
The plan for expansion will see them in cities all over Europe, marking a larger effort to get them into international markets. WeRide does not anticipate getting the new money until the second half of 2025. This investment will help accelerate their progress and strengthen them operationally.
Uber’s investment in WeRide is the latest move in a series of strategic moves to bolster Uber’s autonomous vehicle portfolio. Beyond its production and tech capability, the company has cemented a number of high-profile industry partnerships. Other significant partnerships include agreements with May Mobility, Volkswagen, and Chinese autonomous vehicle company Momenta. Its most high-profile partnership in the U.S. is with Waymo. Uber and Waymo currently provide a service known as Waymo on Uber in Austin and are preparing to launch a new robotaxi service in Atlanta this summer.
Uber and WeRide are clearly positioning themselves to bring autonomous technology to the daily commuter. This collaboration is a microcosm of a larger movement occurring in the transportation world. By investing in WeRide, Uber not surprisingly strengthens its hand in the likely upcoming robotaxi duopoly. In addition, this move enables Uber to benefit from WeRide’s recent public debut on the Nasdaq that happened in late October.