WeRide Chosen Technology Supplier for New Pilot Project on Autonomous Driving in Switzerland

Zurich, Jan. 14 – WeRide Inc. (NASDAQ: WRD), a global leader in autonomous driving technology, is the technology provider for an innovative new pilot project in the field of autonomous driving in Switzerland. This project is funded by the Canton of Zurich and Swiss national railway Schweizerische Bundesbahnen (SBB) and managed by the Swiss Transit Lab (STL), with WeRide providing products and operational support. The decision for WeRide demonstrates the company's leading L4 autonomous driving technology and mature operational experience have once again been recognized by the international market. (Nissan Ariya is used as the autonomous vehicle)

During the test phase, two autonomous cars with WeRide technology will be in service. At the start of operations, up to four cars will be deployed, offering residents the opportunity to experience this innovative mobility solution. This fleet of autonomous vehicles is expected to begin operations in the second quarter of 2025 and will operate in a fully unmanned mode for up to five years. The fleet is expected to expand with up to eight additional autonomous vehicles in 2026. The fleet will be further expanded in future phases.

The first automated vehicles will be deployed in the Furttal Region in Switzerland. Pilot operations will begin in Otelfingen, Boppelsen, Hüttikon, and Dänikon, with plans to extend the test area to Buchs, Dällikon, and Regensdorf.

Residents of these areas will be able to book the autonomous vehicles by an app supplied by ioki, a well-established provider of on-demand mobility solutions in Europe. (Nissan Ariya is used as the autonomous vehicle)

WeRide founder and CEO Tony Han said: "The launch of the Swiss public transportation service pilot project demonstrates WeRide's commitment to expanding autonomous driving solutions in Europe. From large sports events to airport operations to public transportation services, our solutions have proven their excellent adaptability in various scenarios. Through deep cooperation with SBB, the Canton of Zurich, and STL, we are bringing leading L4 autonomous driving technology and mature solutions to local towns in Switzerland, not only providing practical assistance to complement the local public transportation network and improve travel efficiency for residents but also accumulating valuable experience for exploring the widespread application of intelligent transportation in Europe."

In Switzerland, trains serve as the main arteries connecting major cities and towns. According to Federal Office of Transport (FOT), on average, Swiss residents take the train about 70 times a year, the highest rate in Europe. However, suburban areas face limited transportation options. SBB, one of the project investors, was established in 1902 and is Switzerland’s state-owned railway company with a 3,000-kilometer network covering the entire country. The Canton of Zurich, Switzerland's most populous canton, is the second-largest investor. STL, the project manager, is dedicated to exploring and promoting innovative mobility solutions to address urbanization challenges. Leveraging WeRide's internationally leading autonomous driving technology implementation capabilities, the parties will work together to expand Switzerland's intelligent transportation network. (The autonomous vehicle fleet will provide shuttle services between towns and train stations, image source: SBB)

This cooperation project in Switzerland is the third project WeRide has launched in Europe within just eight months. A week ago, WeRide announced the launch of Europe’s first commercial autonomous minibus project at Zurich Airport. During the 2024 French Open, WeRide partnered with Renault to provide the only L4 autonomous shuttle service at the event in Paris.

The selection of WeRide as the technology supplier for the pilot project in Switzerland not only reaffirms the versatility of the WeRide One autonomous driving technology platform and its adaptability to different products but also signifies that WeRide's technology, products, and services are meeting with great interest in Europe, providing a solid foundation for broader international commercial deployment.