WeRide Secures First Driverless Logistics Vehicle Test Permit in Guangzhou's Huangpu District for Robovan W5

Rhea-AI Summary

WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD) has achieved a significant milestone by securing the first autonomous logistics vehicle road test permit in Guangzhou's Huangpu District for its Robovan W5. This marks the vehicle's second testing permit, following approval in Nansha District in April 2025.

The Robovan W5 features industry-leading Level-4 autonomous driving technology with impressive specifications including 5.5m³ cargo volume, 1,000kg maximum payload, and 220km driving range. The vehicle is equipped with advanced safety features including redundant sensor suite, emergency braking, and cloud-based control platform.

This development aligns with Guangzhou's strategic policy framework for intelligent connected vehicles, positioning WeRide to capitalize on the smart logistics market, which is projected to reach USD 784 billion by 2030.

Positive

• First company to secure autonomous logistics vehicle testing permit in Huangpu District
• Robovan W5 offers largest cargo volume (5.5m³) in its class with 1,000kg payload capacity
• Advanced Level-4 autonomous driving technology with comprehensive safety features
• Strategic alignment with Guangzhou's policy framework for intelligent vehicles
• Positioned to capture share in USD 784 billion smart logistics market by 2030

Negative

• Limited to testing phase, not yet fully commercialized
• Currently restricted to specific districts in Guangzhou

Insights

Autonomous Mobility Technology Specialist

WeRide's new autonomous logistics vehicle permit in Guangzhou strengthens its market position in China's rapidly growing smart logistics sector.

WeRide has achieved a significant regulatory milestone by securing the first and only permit to test driverless logistics vehicles in Huangpu District, Guangzhou. This follows their earlier permit in Nansha District, creating a multi-district testing footprint that accelerates their path to commercialization.

The timing is strategically valuable, coming less than a month after Guangzhou's policy framework supporting autonomous vehicle deployment across ride-hailing, sanitation, and logistics. This early-mover advantage positions WeRide to potentially become a preferred partner as the framework is implemented.

The Robovan W5's specifications are impressive within the autonomous logistics segment: 5.5m³ cargo capacity, 1,000kg payload, and 220km range. The modular design enables adaptation across multiple logistics use cases, creating versatility that traditional single-purpose delivery vehicles lack.

WeRide's focus on redundant safety systems—including sensor suite, drive-by-wire chassis, emergency braking, and cloud monitoring—addresses a critical adoption barrier for autonomous logistics: operational safety confidence.

The global smart logistics market projection of $784 billion by 2030 provides significant growth runway. WeRide's early positioning with purpose-built vehicles and regulatory approvals creates competitive differentiation in this emerging sector, though commercialization timelines and unit economics remain to be proven.

GUANGZHOU, China, July 02, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD), a global leader in autonomous driving technology, has become the first and only company authorized to road test autonomous logistics vehicles in Huangpu, Guangzhou, after securing the district's inaugural permit for its Robovan W5.

WeRide’s Robovan W5 is authorized for road testing in Huangpu District, Guangzhou

This marks the Robovan W5's second active road testing permit, following an earlier approval in Guangzhou's Nansha District in April — demonstrating WeRide's steady progress towards the large-scale commercialization of autonomous delivery solutions.

On June 6, Guangzhou Development District and Huangpu District jointly introduced a strategic policy framework to accelerate the development of intelligent connected and new energy vehicles. The framework outlines plans to support large-scale deployment of autonomous technologies across sectors such as ride-hailing, sanitation, and smart logistics. Less than a month later, WeRide received approval to begin full-area testing of its Robovan W5 in Huangpu, reflecting its operational readiness.

The Robovan W5 is purpose-built for high-frequency urban logistics. It offers the largest cargo volume in its class at 5.5m³, a maximum payload of 1,000kg, and a driving range of up to 220km. Its modular cargo compartments supports various slot configurations, making it highly adaptable to diverse use cases such as express delivery, neighborhood drop-offs, and personalized point-to-point logistics — delivering an all-in-one solution for multi-scenario urban deliveries.

Safety remains a top priority. Equipped with industry-leading Level-4 autonomous driving technology and WeRide’s proprietary redundant sensor suite, the Robovan W5 can accurately detect vehicles, traffic signals, pedestrians, and other road users, maintaining 360-degree awareness in all weather and lighting conditions year-round. It also features a redundant drive-by-wire chassis, emergency braking and collision warning systems, real-time driving status monitoring, and a cloud-based control platform, ensuring robust and reliable safety during each delivery.

The global smart logistics sector is entering a period of rapid growth. Over the next three years, the market is expected to exceed USD 100 billion, reaching an estimated USD 784 billion by 2030. As this trillion-dollar opportunity takes shape, WeRide is well-positioned to lead the charge in this dynamic and fast-evolving space.

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 have been tested or operated in over 30 cities across 10 countries. We are also the first and only technology company whose products have received autonomous driving permits in five markets: China, the UAE, Singapore, France, 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.

Media Contact:
pr@weride.ai

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/60172125-31a5-4d70-bef8-255a71e1f36d

FAQ

What permits has WeRide (WRD) secured for its Robovan W5 autonomous vehicle?

WeRide has secured two permits: the first-ever autonomous logistics vehicle test permit in Huangpu District and an earlier permit in Nansha District, Guangzhou (April 2025).

What are the key specifications of WeRide's Robovan W5?

The Robovan W5 features 5.5m³ cargo volume, 1,000kg maximum payload, 220km driving range, and Level-4 autonomous driving technology.

What safety features does WeRide's Robovan W5 include?

The Robovan W5 includes redundant sensor suite, emergency braking, collision warning systems, real-time monitoring, and a cloud-based control platform for 360-degree awareness.

What is the market potential for smart logistics according to WeRide?

The smart logistics market is expected to exceed USD 100 billion in three years and reach USD 784 billion by 2030.

How does WeRide's Robovan W5 support different delivery scenarios?

The Robovan W5 features modular cargo compartments that support various configurations for express delivery, neighborhood drop-offs, and point-to-point logistics.