WeRide (NASDAQ:WRD) and Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER) plan to introduce commercial robotaxi services in the Greater Zurich Region later this year, extending their autonomous mobility partnership in Europe following a recent deployment announcement in Madrid.
The service is expected to launch during 2026, pending approval from Switzerland’s Federal Roads Office (FEDRO). Customers will be able to book rides through the Uber app, while local mobility and logistics specialist Rydera will oversee daily fleet operations under WeRide’s asset-light business model.
Regulatory Progress Supports Deployment Plans
WeRide secured a driverless operations permit from FEDRO in November, allowing autonomous vehicles to operate on public roads in Zurich’s Furttal area.
The companies intend to expand the fleet gradually as operational targets are achieved, with plans to ultimately introduce fully driverless commercial services across key urban locations.
Partnership Expands Global Robotaxi Footprint
The planned Zurich rollout would increase the number of cities served jointly by WeRide and Uber to five, advancing the broader partnership agreement that covers 15 cities worldwide.
Since December 2024, the two companies have launched robotaxi services in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Riyadh, while Madrid and Zurich represent the latest phase of their European growth strategy.
Europe Remains a Strategic Focus
“Europe is a priority region for WeRide, and announcing two European markets in two weeks reflects the speed and efficiency of our expansion strategy,” said Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International at WeRide.
Uber also highlighted Switzerland’s potential as a key market for autonomous transportation.
“Switzerland is a key market for autonomous mobility, combining forward-thinking regulation with a demand for high-quality ride-hailing solutions,” said Sarfraz Maredia, Global Head of Autonomous Mobility & Delivery at Uber.