Emerging
Jun 18, 20261
61%
WeRide Plans European Expansion Following Uber Partnerships in Madrid and Zurich

WeRide, led by CEO Tony Han, is accelerating its European expansion through joint programs with Uber in Madrid and Zurich, with plans to enter additional European cities. Han also expressed optimism about China resuming issuance of new autonomous driving permits.
Quick Facts
Who
Tony Han
What
European expansion launch
When
June 18, 2026
Where
Madrid
- European expansion launch
- joint programs with Uber
- planning to enter additional European cities
- optimism about China resuming autonomous driving permits
- Tony Han
WeRide, a Chinese autonomous driving company, is accelerating its European expansion strategy following the launch of joint programs with Uber in Madrid and Zurich. Tony Han, the company's Founder and CEO, outlined the expansion plans during an exclusive interview on Bloomberg: The China Show, indicating that WeRide intends to enter additional European cities beyond its current partnership locations.
The partnerships with Uber represent a significant step in WeRide's international strategy, leveraging the ride-sharing platform's existing infrastructure and user base to deploy autonomous vehicle services in key European markets. Madrid and Zurich serve as initial beachheads for the company's European operations, allowing WeRide to establish operational expertise and regulatory compliance in European jurisdictions.
Additionally, Han expressed optimism regarding China's autonomous driving regulatory environment, indicating his belief that the Chinese government will resume issuing new autonomous driving permits. This outlook suggests WeRide anticipates renewed growth opportunities in its home market, where regulatory approval remains a critical factor for autonomous vehicle deployment. The company's dual-focus strategy—expanding internationally while positioning for renewed domestic growth—reflects WeRide's confidence in both the European autonomous vehicle market and China's future regulatory direction.
Topics
Why This Matters
WeRide's European expansion through Uber partnerships signals a major shift in autonomous vehicle deployment from China to developed Western markets, demonstrating the maturity of Chinese self-driving technology on the global stage. For investors and regulators, this move indicates growing confidence in autonomous mobility solutions and suggests WeRide's regulatory progress could accelerate commercialization timelines. For consumers in Madrid and Zurich, this partnership promises near-term access to autonomous ride-hailing services through a familiar platform. Additionally, Han's optimism about China's regulatory thaw suggests potential near-term licensing windows that could unlock significant domestic market opportunities.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 18, 2026
WireTony Han announces WeRide's European expansion plans and expresses optimism about China's autonomous driving regulatory outlook