WeRide Expands GXR Robotaxi Unmanned Services Across Beijing

WeRide, a leading autonomous driving technology company, has received approval to deploy its latest Robotaxi, the GXR, for fully unmanned commercial operations in Beijing. This marks a significant step in the expansion of driverless transportation in China’s capital. The GXR, which previously launched in Abu Dhabi in December 2023, is now set for large-scale deployment in Beijing’s Economic-Technological Development Area, covering key transport hubs such as high-speed railway stations and highways leading to Beijing Daxing International Airport.

As WeRide continues to expand its presence globally, the company has also unveiled an autonomous pilot program with Robotaxis in Switzerland. This initiative aligns with WeRide’s broader strategy of deploying self-driving technology in multiple international markets, reinforcing its leadership in the autonomous mobility sector.

Dr. Tony Han, Founder and CEO of WeRide, emphasized the importance of this milestone:

"The commercial launch of Robotaxi GXR in Beijing represents a pivotal achievement for WeRide and the autonomous driving industry as a whole. By advancing from product launch to unmanned commercial operations in just four months, we’ve demonstrated that autonomous technology is ready to meet various transportation needs at scale."

Expansion of Autonomous Ride-Hailing Services

WeRide’s approval allows the GXR to operate across major locations in Beijing, including roads that connect to key transport points. The Economic-Technological Development Area serves as a testing ground for China’s push toward intelligent mobility solutions. The GXR's highway approval also extends to routes leading to Beijing Daxing International Airport, making it one of the few autonomous vehicles permitted to navigate high-speed travel corridors.

The company launched the GXR model on October 15, 2024, and within just four months, it transitioned to fully driverless commercial services. This rapid implementation highlights WeRide’s efficiency in bringing autonomous driving technology to market.

Key Features of the WeRide GXR Robotaxi

The GXR is equipped with L4-level autonomous driving technology, allowing it to operate without a human driver under most conditions. Some of its standout features include:

• Redundant drive-by-wire chassis architecture, ensuring safety and reliability on public roads.
• Spacious interior, designed to accommodate up to five passengers, making it suitable for airport and railway station trips.
• Hidden B-pillar design, providing wider entry and exit space, enhancing passenger convenience.
• Integration with the WeRide Go app, allowing users to easily book rides via the mobile application.

Global Expansion and Future Deployments

WeRide has expanded its fully autonomous ride-hailing services beyond China, operating in cities such as Guangzhou, Nanjing, Ordos, Suzhou, and Abu Dhabi. In partnership with Uber, WeRide launched the Middle East’s largest commercial Robotaxi fleet in 2024. The company has also announced plans to introduce driverless GXR services in Zurich, Switzerland, by the second quarter of 2025.

In Beijing, WeRide has been operating fully unmanned Robotaxi services since June 2023. With the latest launch of the GXR, the company aims to increase the number of autonomous taxis in the city, planning to deploy several hundred units by 2025. This expansion is expected to enhance smart mobility services for both residents and visitors.