WeRide Enters Belgium as Autonomous Robobus Rolls Into Leuven
WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD) has expanded into Belgium, its 11th global market, with the launch of its autonomous Robobus in Leuven. The company has partnered with De Lijn, the City of Leuven, and Espaces-Mobilités for this initiative.
The Robobus will initially operate between Leuven Station and Heverlee, with public road testing starting mid-September 2025. Following successful testing and regulatory approval, a pilot shuttle service will run from mid-November 2025 through January 2026, marking Belgium's first commercial AV deployment in mixed traffic. The service will be accessible via digital tickets and aims to improve first- and last-mile connectivity.
This expansion follows WeRide's successful deployments in France, Switzerland, and Spain, including Europe's first fully driverless commercial Robobus service in Valence, France, and recent Robotaxi launches in Furttal, Switzerland.
WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD) è sbarcata in Belgio, il suo 11° mercato globale, con il lancio del suo Robobus autonomo a Leuven. L’azienda ha avviato la collaborazione con De Lijn, la Città di Leuven e Espaces‑Mobilités per questa iniziativa.
Il Robobus opererà inizialmente tra la stazione di Leuven e Heverlee, con test su strada aperti al pubblico a partire dalla metà di settembre 2025. Dopo test positivi e l’approvazione normativa, un servizio navetta pilota sarà attivo dalla metà di novembre 2025 fino a gennaio 2026, segnando la prima distribuzione commerciale di veicoli autonomi in traffico misto in Belgio. Il servizio sarà accessibile tramite biglietti digitali e punta a migliorare la connessione dell’ultimo e primo miglio.
Questa espansione segue le implementazioni di successo di WeRide in Francia, Svizzera e Spagna, tra cui il primo servizio commerciale europeo di Robobus completamente senza conducente a Valence, Francia, e i recenti lanci di Robotaxi a Furttal, Svizzera.
WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD) se ha expandido a Bélgica, su 11.º mercado global, con el lanzamiento de su Robobus autónomo en Lovaina. La compañía se ha asociado con De Lijn, la Ciudad de Lovaina y Espaces‑Mobilités para esta iniciativa.
El Robobus operará inicialmente entre la estación de Lovaina y Heverlee, con pruebas en vías públicas que comenzarán a mediados de septiembre de 2025. Tras unas pruebas exitosas y la aprobación regulatoria, un servicio piloto de lanzadera funcionará desde mediados de noviembre de 2025 hasta enero de 2026, marcando el primer despliegue comercial de vehículos autónomos en tráfico mixto en Bélgica. El servicio será accesible mediante billetes digitales y pretende mejorar la conexión del primer y último tramo del recorrido.
Esta expansión se suma a los despliegues exitosos de WeRide en Francia, Suiza y España, incluyendo el primer servicio comercial europeo de Robobus totalmente sin conductor en Valence, Francia, y los recientes lanzamientos de Robotaxis en Furttal, Suiza.
WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD)가 벨기에에 진출해 자사의 11번째 글로벌 시장인 루벵에서 자율주행 로보버스를 선보였습니다. 회사는 이 프로젝트를 위해 De Lijn, 루벵시 및 Espaces‑Mobilités와 협력했습니다.
로보버스는 초기에 루벵역과 헤버리(Heverlee) 구간을 운행하며, 일반 도로 시험운행은 2025년 9월 중순부터 시작됩니다. 시험이 성공적으로 완료되고 규제 승인을 받으면, 파일럿 셔틀 서비스가 2025년 11월 중순부터 2026년 1월까지 운영되어 벨기에에서 혼합 교통 환경 속 상업적 자율주행차 배치의 첫 사례가 됩니다. 해당 서비스는 디지털 티켓으로 이용할 수 있으며 첫·마지막 구간 연결성을 개선하는 것을 목표로 합니다.
이번 확장은 프랑스, 스위스, 스페인에서의 성공적 배치에 이은 것으로, 프랑스 발랑스(Valence)에서의 유럽 최초 완전 무인 상업용 로보버스 서비스와 스위스 푸르탈(Furttal)에서의 최근 로보택시 출시에 포함됩니다.
WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD) s’est étendue en Belgique, son 11e marché mondial, avec le lancement de son Robobus autonome à Louvain. L’entreprise s’est associée à De Lijn, la Ville de Louvain et Espaces‑Mobilités pour cette initiative.
Le Robobus circulera d’abord entre la gare de Louvain et Heverlee, avec des essais sur route ouverts au public à partir de mi‑septembre 2025. Après des tests concluants et l’aval des autorités, un service navette pilote sera exploité de la mi‑novembre 2025 à janvier 2026, marquant le premier déploiement commercial de véhicules autonomes en trafic mixte en Belgique. Le service sera accessible via des billets numériques et vise à améliorer la desserte du premier et du dernier kilomètre.
Cette expansion fait suite aux déploiements réussis de WeRide en France, en Suisse et en Espagne, incluant le premier service commercial européen de Robobus entièrement sans chauffeur à Valence (France) et les récents lancements de Robotaxis à Furttal (Suisse).
WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD) ist nach Belgien expandiert – seinem 11. globalen Markt – und hat in Leuven seinen autonomen Robobus eingeführt. Das Unternehmen arbeitet für dieses Projekt mit De Lijn, der Stadt Leuven und Espaces‑Mobilités zusammen.
Der Robobus wird zunächst zwischen dem Bahnhof Leuven und Heverlee verkehren; öffentliche Straßentests beginnen Mitte September 2025. Nach erfolgreichen Tests und regulatorischer Freigabe wird ein pilotierter Shuttle-Service von Mitte November 2025 bis Januar 2026 angeboten, was den ersten kommerziellen Einsatz eines AV im Mischverkehr in Belgien markiert. Der Service ist über digitale Tickets zugänglich und soll die Anbindung der ersten und letzten Meile verbessern.
Die Expansion folgt auf erfolgreiche Einsätze von WeRide in Frankreich, der Schweiz und Spanien, darunter der erste vollständig fahrerlose kommerzielle Robobus-Service Europas in Valence, Frankreich, und die jüngsten Robotaxi‑Starts in Furttal, Schweiz.
- Expansion into 11th global market strengthens WeRide's international presence
- First commercial deployment of autonomous vehicles in mixed traffic in Belgium
- Strong partnerships with local transport authorities and government support
- Strategic integration with existing public transport infrastructure
- Initial operations require safety officer onboard, not yet fully autonomous
- Limited pilot duration of only 2.5 months
- Pending regulatory approval for commercial operations
Insights
WeRide's Belgium expansion strengthens European foothold, adding strategic market amid clear commercialization path toward driverless operations.
WeRide's entry into Belgium represents a significant strategic expansion in its European autonomous vehicle operations. This marks the company's 11th global market, building upon existing European deployments in France, Switzerland, and Spain. The Leuven implementation follows a carefully structured rollout plan, beginning with mapping, followed by public road testing with safety officers, before transitioning to a commercial pilot from November 2025 through January 2026.
The partnership structure is particularly noteworthy. By collaborating with De Lijn (Flemish public transportation operator), local government, and mobility consultancy Espaces-Mobilités, WeRide has secured the essential stakeholder support required for successful AV deployment. This multi-stakeholder approach has proven effective in previous markets and addresses the complex regulatory and operational requirements of autonomous mobility integration.
The Belgium expansion aligns with WeRide's broader European strategy, where public sector investment and clearer commercialization pathways exist compared to some other global markets. The company is pursuing a pragmatic implementation approach focused on solving specific mobility challenges – particularly first/last mile connectivity – rather than attempting more complex use cases immediately. This methodical expansion demonstrates a mature market entry strategy focused on building operational experience in diverse European urban environments.
WeRide's stated goal of achieving fully driverless operations indicates they're positioning for the higher-margin autonomous service model that doesn't require safety drivers – a critical milestone for profitability in the autonomous mobility sector. The Belgium deployment represents another data point in WeRide's expanding operational footprint, providing valuable real-world testing in yet another distinctive urban environment with "dense city traffic" that will further refine their autonomous driving systems.
LEUVEN, Belgium, Sept. 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD), a global leader in autonomous driving technology, announced its expansion into Belgium with the launch of its Robobus in Leuven, in partnership with Flemish public transportation company De Lijn, the City of Leuven, and mobility consultancy firm Espaces-Mobilités. The move marks WeRide's 11th global market worldwide and builds on its European presence following deployments in France, Switzerland and Spain.
WeRide's Robobus in Leuven, Belgium
Starting today, WeRide's Robobus will conduct mapping in downtown Leuven, between Leuven Station and Heverlee. This busy route, characterized by dense city traffic and its connection to a major transport hub, reflects typical Belgian urban conditions. Public road testing is expected in mid-September, with a safety officer onboard during the first phase.
Pending successful testing and regulatory approval from the Public Department of Mobility and Transport, a pilot autonomous shuttle service will be operated by De Lijn along the same route. This pilot is scheduled to begin in mid-November and run through end-January 2026 — marking Belgium’s first commercial deployment of autonomous vehicles (AVs) in mixed and complex traffic. Passengers will be allowed to board using a digital ticket via app, SMS, or their subscription.
Following the trial period, the shuttles are expected to enter regular service in Leuven, marking a national milestone in the application of autonomous public transport. The service aims to improve first- and last-mile connectivity while seamlessly integrating AVs into Leuven's transit network. Looking ahead, the goal is to achieve fully driverless operations, further enhancing safety and efficiency in urban mobility.
"Entering Belgium is a strategic step in WeRide's growth. Europe is a key AV market with strong public investment and clear commercialization paths, with Belgium standing out as a mobility-focused innovation hub. We're pleased to partner with De Lijn, Espaces-Mobilités, and the City of Leuven, which have shown strong support for autonomous mobility, as we work to scale autonomous driving services across Europe, with the goal of achieving fully driverless operations," said Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International at WeRide.
"With this first project, we are tapping into the potential of AVs to improve road safety, reduce traffic congestion, and ease parking pressure. Outside city centers, they can also provide 'last mile' connections and reliable transport to rural areas and for people with limited mobility," said Annick De Ridder, Flemish Minister of Mobility, Public Works, Ports, and Sports.
"With this pilot project, we are taking an important step toward the future of public transport in Flanders. Autonomous shuttles are no longer science fiction, but a concrete solution we are testing with our partners in Leuven. We are using this technology to create safer, more efficient, and more accessible shared mobility. In the future, we can use this technology to attract many more passengers by expanding public transport in an attractive and efficient way," said Ann Schoubs, CEO of De Lijn.
"Autonomous mobility promises to be the biggest revolution in transport since the combustion engine. If that's the case, it's essential that our regions and the public sector prepare for this transformation. The program we are implementing in Belgium, in collaboration with various regions and transport operators, is the best way to learn together and develop a coherent public policy to improve mobility and avoid reinforcing individual car use," said Xavier Tackoen, Partner at Espaces-Mobilités.
In preparation for the launch in Leuven, De Lijn and Espaces-Mobilités completed a year-long training program on autonomous mobility, which included technical workshops and a study tour to WeRide's Guangzhou office. The tour provided hands-on experience with WeRide's existing Robobus operations and best practices for integrating AVs into public transport.
The pilot is supported by EIT Urban Mobility, an EU body that accelerates the transition to sustainable mobility, highlighting strong public-private sector collaboration.
Belgium has prioritized advancing autonomous mobility through smart urban planning, investment in smart mobility solutions, and supportive regulations. Reflecting this, Leuven — Belgium's oldest university city situated 30 kilometers east of Brussels and well-connected to major Belgian cities and transport hubs — was selected as the strategic pilot site for deployment. Local initiatives like FlexCURB, which optimizes curbside space with digital tools, further enable safe last-mile operations and smooth AV integration into the wider transport network.
Beyond Belgium, WeRide is rapidly expanding across Europe. Last month, the company launched its first Robotaxis in Furttal, Switzerland, under the "iamo" (Intelligent Automated Mobility) pilot with Swiss Transit Lab, SBB CFF FFS, and the cantons of Zurich and Aargau. Earlier this year, WeRide launched Europe's first fully driverless commercial Robobus service in Valence, France, in partnership with beti, Renault Group, and Macif.
About WeRide
WeRide is a global leader and a first mover in the autonomous driving industry, as well as the first publicly traded Robotaxi company. Our autonomous vehicles (AVs) have been tested or operated in over 30 cities across 11 countries. We are also the first and only technology company whose products have received autonomous driving permits in six markets: China, Singapore, France, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the US. Empowered by the smart, versatile, cost-effective, and highly adaptable WeRide One platform, WeRide provides autonomous driving products and services from L2 to L4, addressing transportation needs in the mobility, logistics, and sanitation industries. WeRide was named in Fortune Magazine’s 2024 “The Future 50” list.
About De Lijn
De Lijn is the public transport company responsible for bus and tram services throughout Flanders. With a network of thousands of vehicles and stops, De Lijn connects people, cities, and communities in a sustainable and accessible way. Approximately 3.5 million people use its services one or more times each year.
The company operates three tram networks (Antwerp, Ghent, and the coastal tram), and approximately half its bus services are outsourced to operators. With over 10,000 employees, De Lijn strives every day to provide safe, reliable, and high-quality service.
By investing in electrification, digital innovation, and collaboration with local authorities De Lijn is shaping a future where public transport is the natural choice.
About Espaces-Mobilités
Espaces-Mobilités is an independent Belgian consulting firm based in Brussels that has been advising public authorities, transport operators and businesses on public space and mobility issues for over 30 years. Its unique expertise lies in its ability to develop comprehensive, multimodal mobility strategies and translate them into coherent developments that improve the quality of public space.
Media Contact
WeRide: pr@weride.ai
De Lijn and Espaces-Mobilités: pers@delijn.be
Safe Harbor Statement
This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to,” and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about WeRide’s beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in WeRide’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this Report is as of the date of this Report. WeRide does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.
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