WeRide: Driving the Future of Autonomous Mobility in Europe

WeRide Inc. (NASDAQ: WRD), a global leader in autonomous driving technology, has been selected as the technology provider for an innovative new autonomous driving pilot project in Switzerland. This project, funded by the Canton of Zurich and Swiss national railway Schweizerische Bundesbahnen (SBB) and managed by the Swiss Transit Lab (STL), is a testament to WeRide's leading L4 autonomous driving technology and operational experience. The decision to choose WeRide as the technology provider further solidifies the company's position in the international market.

During the test phase, two autonomous cars with WeRide technology will be in service. When operations start, which is expected in the second quarter, up to four cars will be deployed. Fully unmanned mode will operate for up to five years. In 2026, the fleet is expected to expand with eight additional autonomous vehicles, with further expansion in future. The first automated vehicles will operate in Switzerland’s Furttal Region, where residents will be able to book the autonomous vehicles by an app supplied by ioki.

WeRide founder and CEO Tony Han said: "The launch of the Swiss public transportation service pilot project demonstrates WeRide's commitment to expanding autonomous driving solutions in Europe. From large sports events to airport operations to public transportation services, our solutions have proven their excellent adaptability in various scenarios."

In Switzerland, trains serve as the main arteries connecting major cities and towns. According to the Federal Office of Transport (FOT), on average, Swiss residents take the train about 70 times a year, the highest rate in Europe. However, suburban areas face limited transportation options. SBB, one of the project investors, was established in 1902 and is Switzerland’s state-owned railway company with a 3,000-kilometer network. The Canton of Zurich is the second-largest investor. STL, the project manager, is dedicated to exploring and promoting innovative mobility solutions. Leveraging WeRide's autonomous driving technology, the parties will work to expand Switzerland's intelligent transportation network.

This project is WeRide's third in Europe within eight months, following the launch of Europe's first commercial autonomous minibus project at Zurich Airport and L4 autonomous shuttle services at the 2024 French Open in Paris. Selection of WeRide’s technology reaffirms the versatility of the WeRide One autonomous driving technology platform and its adaptability to different products and signifies WeRide's technology, products, and services are meeting with great interest in Europe.



WeRide's selection over competitors for this pilot project, following recent European successes, suggests growing brand recognition and trust in European markets. This momentum could accelerate market penetration and potentially lead to similar projects in other European regions facing suburban mobility challenges. The Swiss autonomous driving pilot represents WeRide's strategic expansion in Europe's autonomous mobility market, with a multi-year commitment and planned fleet expansion from 2 to 12 vehicles signaling strong confidence in WeRide's L4 technology.

The partnership with SBB, Switzerland's national railway operator with a 3,000-kilometer network, positions WeRide to integrate with existing transportation infrastructure. The Swiss market, with its 70 annual train trips per capita, presents a significant opportunity for first/last-mile connectivity solutions. The suburban focus addresses a clear market gap in Switzerland's transportation network. The operational structure, progressing from test phase to fully unmanned operations over 5 years, follows a proven deployment model that balances innovation with safety considerations. The technology stack's adaptability across different use cases (airports, sporting events, public transit) validates WeRide's platform approach and enhances its competitive positioning in the European autonomous vehicle market.

This project significantly enhances WeRide's market position in Europe's autonomous mobility sector. Switzerland, known for its precision engineering and strict regulatory standards, serves as a high-credibility reference market. The multi-stakeholder structure, involving government (Canton of Zurich), transportation (SBB) and innovation entities (STL), creates a robust foundation for long-term growth. The pilot's scalable structure, beginning with 2 vehicles and expanding to 12, indicates a methodical approach to market development. The project addresses a specific market need in suburban mobility, where traditional public transit solutions are often economically challenging. The integration with ioki's booking platform demonstrates WeRide's ability to participate in comprehensive mobility ecosystems.

In conclusion, WeRide's selection as the technology provider for the Swiss autonomous driving pilot project underscores the company's leading position in the global autonomous driving market. With a strong track record of successful deployments in Europe and a commitment to expanding its operations, WeRide is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for autonomous mobility solutions. As the project progresses, investors should closely monitor WeRide's performance and the potential impact on its market position and share price.