Uber Technologies is taking a major step into the future by collaborating with WeRide, a Chinese self-driving startup.
This agreement according to Tony Han, founder and CEO of WeRide intends to bring robotaxis to the United Arab Emirates, marking WeRide’s first engagement with a worldwide ridesharing platform.
WeRide bills itself as a global leader and a first mover in the autonomous driving industry.
WeRide has received the UAE’s first and only national licence for self-driving vehicles, allowing them to test and operate robotaxis on public roads throughout the country.
This move not only helps WeRide expand its reach outside of China but also puts Uber as a vital player in the emerging robotaxi market.
Uber expanded its cooperation with Alphabet’s Waymo earlier this month, bringing robotaxis to Austin and Atlanta in the United States.
Newsng gathered that users who use the Uber app will have access to a specialised fleet of WeRide vehicles.
After launch, when a rider orders a qualifying ride using the Uber app, they may be given the option of having their trip completed by a WeRide autonomous car.
The alliance does not plan any launches in the United States or China.
Commenting on the partnership, Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO of Uber said: “Uber is very excited to partner with WeRide. The future of mobility will be increasingly shared, electric, and autonomous, and we look forward to working with leading AV companies like WeRide to help bring the benefits of autonomous technology to cities around the world.”
WeRide presently operates the largest robotaxi fleet in the UAE, and residents can use its robotaxi services via the TXAI app.
“We are honoured to partner with Uber to continue to bring our technology to global markets.
“Together, we aim to combine our collective experience and expertise to deliver much-needed, affordable, sustainable and safe mobility solutions to a global audience,” Ham explained.
We earlier reported that a national security restriction on the use of some auto parts manufactured in China and Russia on American roadways beginning in 2027 has been proposed by the U.S. Commerce Department.
