Grab invests in WeRide for Southeast Asia robotaxi deployment

WeRide Inc. (NASDAQ: WRD) announced that Grab Holdings Ltd. (NASDAQ: GRAB) has committed to a strategic equity investment in the autonomous driving technology company. The investment is expected to be completed by the first half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

The partnership aims to deploy Level 4 robotaxis and autonomous shuttles across Southeast Asia through Grab's ride-hailing network. WeRide will integrate its autonomous driving technology into Grab's fleet management, vehicle matching and routing systems.

The collaboration builds on a memorandum of understanding signed in March 2025 between the two companies to explore autonomous vehicle feasibility in the region. WeRide plans to deploy thousands of robotaxis across Southeast Asia through a progressive rollout aligned with local regulations.

"WeRide's vision for Southeast Asia is to deploy thousands of Robotaxis across the region, through a progressive rollout aligned with local regulations and societal readiness," said Dr. Tony Han, founder and chief executive officer of WeRide.

Anthony Tan, group chief executive officer and co-founder of Grab, stated that autonomous vehicles can complement the company's driver network and be deployed in cities with significant driver shortages.

The partnership will focus on optimizing dispatch and routing, maximizing vehicle uptime, measuring safety performance, remote monitoring, customer support, and training programs. WeRide and Grab will work to transition interested driver-partners and local communities to career pathways within the autonomous vehicle industry.

WeRide operates autonomous vehicles in over 30 cities across 10 countries and holds autonomous driving permits in China, Singapore, France, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the US. Grab operates across deliveries, mobility and digital financial services in eight Southeast Asian countries.

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