Singapore, September 2 — WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD), a global autonomous driving technology company, announced that its first batch of Robotaxi GXR vehicles has arrived in Singapore and started testing. This is the first time such autonomous taxis have entered Southeast Asia.

The Robotaxi GXR fleet is now undergoing simulated road testing at Nanyang Technological University’s Centre of Excellence for Testing & Research of AVs (CETRAN). The tests aim to verify performance and safety under local road conditions, as part of the preparation for the M1 certification. Once approved, the vehicles are expected to begin service on selected public roads by the end of 2025. Operations will be carried out in partnership with a leading regional mobility provider. Each Robotaxi GXR can carry up to five passengers.

“We are excited to bring the Robotaxi GXR to Singapore. This is an important step toward offering autonomous driving services in Southeast Asia,” said Tony Han, Founder and CEO of WeRide. “With our strong technology and extensive real-world experience in similar urban environments, we have optimized our vehicles for Singapore’s roads. Safety is always our top priority, and through strict testing and close cooperation with partners, we are laying the foundation for large-scale commercialization in the region.”

WeRide plans to introduce more Robotaxi GXR units in Singapore to accelerate deployment on public roads. The company aims to scale up autonomous ride-hailing in Southeast Asia, providing safe, efficient, and convenient mobility services.

As a global leader in Robotaxi commercialization, WeRide has already deployed, tested, and operated autonomous vehicles in China, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Switzerland, achieving more than 2,200 days of safe operations. The company is now testing fully driverless Robotaxi in Abu Dhabi and expects to open the service to the public in the coming months. In July, WeRide also launched Robotaxi trial operations in Riyadh in partnership with Uber and AiDriver.

WeRide continues to expand its footprint in Singapore. In July, it introduced Robobus at Resorts World Sentosa — the first autonomous bus in Southeast Asia to operate without a safety driver inside. In November 2024, WeRide also deployed its Robosweeper S6 and S1 at Marina Bay Avenue and the Esplanade, marking Singapore’s first commercial autonomous street-cleaning project.

Looking ahead, WeRide will keep working with partners across Southeast Asia to support future vehicle deployments and explore wider regional opportunities.