WeRide and Renault Group launch their first autonomous Robobus trial in Spain

Rhea-AI Summary

WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD) and Renault Group have launched their first autonomous Robobus trial in Barcelona, Spain, running from March 10th to 14th, 2025. The free service operates on a 2-kilometer circular route with four stops in the city center, showcasing Level-4 autonomous vehicle technology in dense urban conditions.

The trial follows WeRide's recent expansion in Europe, including the first commercial driverless Robobus deployment in France's Dôme region through a partnership with beti, Renault Group, and Macif. The company also secured projects at Zurich Airport and with Swiss national railway SBB in January.

Operating from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily, the Barcelona demonstration has received authorization from the City Council and Directorate General of Traffic. This initiative builds on the partners' previous collaboration during the Roland-Garros 2024 tennis tournament, aiming to showcase sustainable urban mobility solutions for European cities targeting carbon neutrality and Low Emission Zones.

Positive

• Expansion into European market with multiple commercial projects
• Strategic partnership with major automotive manufacturer Renault Group
• Successful deployment of Level-4 autonomous technology in multiple locations
• Regulatory approvals obtained for operations in major European cities

Negative

• Trial service is free, indicating no immediate revenue generation
• trial duration of only 5 days
• Operations restricted to specific hours and route coverage

BARCELONA , Spain, March 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD), a global leader in autonomous driving, and Renault Group will offer a free autonomous Robobus trial service in the center of Barcelona from March 10th to 14th, aiming to showcase the maturity and potential of automated transport technologies for the first time in a dense and complex urban environment. The demonstration highlights the technological leadership in autonomous driving solutions that WeRide and Renault are bringing to enable agile, flexible, modern, eco-friendly, and affordable mobility, especially for European cities aspiring to carbon neutrality and Low Emission Zones.

This will be WeRide and Renault Group’s first test in Spain of their Level-4 autonomous vehicle for public transport. The initiative continues the experimentation carried out by the partners during the Roland-Garros 2024 tennis tournament.

"This Barcelona trial represents a pivotal moment in WeRide's international expansion strategy, demonstrating our technology leadership beyond Asian markets and into the heart of Europe," said Tony Han, founder & CEO at WeRide. "By bringing our Level-4 autonomous Robobus to navigate Barcelona's complex urban environment in real traffic conditions, we're showcasing not just the maturity of our technology, but its adaptability to diverse global settings. This collaboration with Renault Group underscores our shared vision for making smart, sustainable mobility solutions accessible worldwide.”

Last month, WeRide announced the first European fully driverless commercial deployment of its Robobus as part of a shuttle service partnership with beti, Renault Group, and Macif that will feature an L4 -level automated mobility service in France’s Dôme region. In January, WeRide announced its first commercial autonomous shuttle project in Europe at Zurich Airport, and was also chosen technology supplier for a pilot project on autonomous driving by Swiss national railway Schweizerische Bundesbahnen (SBB).

The experimental Robobus, which has the required authorization from Barcelona City Council and the Directorate General of Traffic, will operate from March 10th to March 14th from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on a circular itinerary of more than 2 kilometers. The goal is for riders to easily and safely discover autonomous driving in real traffic. The route will have four stops where passengers will be able to get comfortably on and off, giving riders the opportunity to experience the autonomous and sustainable driving of the future while enjoying a unique tour of Barcelona.

Contacts:

WeRide PR
pr@weride.ai

ICR Inc.
WeRidePR@icrinc.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/72f1e265-4d30-46ef-b3bc-967fb85fff0c

FAQ

When and where is WeRide (WRD) conducting its autonomous Robobus trial in Spain?

WeRide is conducting the trial in Barcelona's city center from March 10-14, 2025, operating daily from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on a 2-kilometer circular route with four stops.

What level of autonomous driving technology is WeRide (WRD) using in the Barcelona trial?

WeRide is using Level-4 autonomous driving technology for the Robobus trial in Barcelona.

What other European projects has WeRide (WRD) recently secured?

WeRide secured a commercial shuttle project at Zurich Airport, a pilot with Swiss railway SBB, and a driverless commercial Robobus service in France's Dôme region.

What are the objectives of WeRide's (WRD) Barcelona Robobus trial?

The trial aims to demonstrate the maturity and potential of automated transport technologies in complex urban environments, promoting eco-friendly mobility solutions for European cities.