Autonomous driving firm WeRide has secured approval to deploy its latest-generation Robotaxi, the GXR, for fully unmanned ride-hailing services in Beijing. The development marks the company’s second driverless Robotaxi model in the city and the first large-scale commercial rollout of GXR in China.
WeRide, listed on Nasdaq as WRD, previously launched the GXR on the Uber platform in Abu Dhabi last December. The company’s latest expansion in Beijing underscores the rapid adoption of autonomous driving technology in commercial transport.
Extending Autonomous Ride-Hailing in Beijing
The new service area includes major locations within the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area, encompassing high-speed railway stations and key transport hubs. Crucially, the GXR is approved for commercial operations on highways, including the route to and from Beijing Daxing International Airport.
WeRide has progressed from GXR’s launch to fully unmanned operations in just four months, a milestone the company refers to as “WeRide speed”.
“The commercial launch of Robotaxi GXR in Beijing is a major step forward for both WeRide and the autonomous driving industry,” said Dr Tony Han, WeRide’s Founder and CEO. “By moving from product launch to unmanned commercial operations in such a short period, we’ve shown that autonomous technology is ready for large-scale deployment. We continue to set the standard for self-driving mobility.”
Advanced Design and Passenger Experience
The GXR Robotaxi is the result of five years of development at WeRide, featuring a Level 4 redundant drive-by-wire chassis, an open interior layout, and a hidden B-pillar design. With space for five passengers, it offers the industry’s widest entry and exit points, optimal seating arrangements, and ample luggage capacity.
Passengers can book rides through the WeRide Go app, which is available on major mobile platforms.
Expanding Global Operations
WeRide is currently the only autonomous driving company operating commercial Robotaxi services in both China and overseas. The firm has launched Robotaxi services in cities including Beijing, Guangzhou, Nanjing, Ordos, Suzhou, and Abu Dhabi.
In 2024, WeRide partnered with Uber to introduce the largest commercial Robotaxi fleet in the Middle East. Looking ahead, the company plans to launch fully unmanned operations in Zurich, Switzerland, in 2025.
WeRide first introduced fully driverless Robotaxi services in Beijing in June 2023. With the commercial expansion of the GXR, the company aims to increase the number of operational Robotaxis in Beijing to several hundred by 2025.
As autonomous vehicle adoption continues to accelerate, WeRide’s rapid deployment strategy positions it at the forefront of global self-driving innovation.