• Chinese AV startup WeRide gained Singapore licenses to test self-driving buses.
• Strategically targeting mass transit over robotaxis.
• Fresh funding and deals position WeRide for global expansion.
WeRide Secures Singapore Licenses
Chinese self-driving startup WeRide is setting its sights on overseas expansion, starting with Singapore.
This week, the company announced it has obtained two licenses from Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA), allowing its autonomous buses to be tested on public roads.
The permits mark a milestone for WeRide as it accelerates a global ambition built on years of robust growth at home.
Singapore Launches AV Testing
Focusing beyond robotaxis, the firm strategically targets self-driving buses – an area with strong commercial potential given lower speeds, fixed routes, and more predictable conditions.
Singapore makes a prime initial international launch pad. With urban density and an aging workforce, the city-state of 5 million people sees autonomous vehicles as crucial for addressing land and labor constraints in the future.
Singapore began AV testing in 2014 and is now entering Phase 2, opening select areas for autonomous passenger and utility vehicles.
LTA Licenses Boost WeRide
WeRide has diligently paved regulatory and business inroads. Investors include Singapore’s SMRT transport operator and K3 Ventures investment firm.
On the operations side, WeRide recently inked deals with major local transport companies, Woodlands Transport Services and EZ Buzz.
The LTA licenses will enable WeRide’s self-driving buses to test in sites, including the One North tech hub and the National University of Singapore. One permit covers testing with safety drivers, while the second allows driverless testing in restricted areas.
Singapore PM Endorses WeRide
WeRide also holds AV testing permits in its home country, China, as well as in the United States and the United Arab Emirates – reflecting an expansive strategic map.
This March, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong toured one of WeRide’s autonomous vehicles during a state visit to China.
As it gains global momentum, WeRide raised a massive $310 million funding round last July. The 4-year-old startup is reportedly valued at $4.4 billion.
It has confidentially filed for a U.S. IPO. Powered by deep pockets and increasing commercial viability of autonomous mass transit, WeRide is gearing up to make its overseas expansion push count.
Chinese self-driving startup WeRide gains Singapore licenses to test autonomous buses
