WeRide Secures Milestone Licensing in Singapore: Pioneering Autonomous Driving
This historic achievement signifies authorization for all of WeRide's autonomous vehicles to conduct road tests and operations across the UAE.
WeRide, a leading Level 4 autonomous driving technology firm, has reached a significant milestone by obtaining the Milestone Testing Regime Level 1 License for Autonomous Vehicles (M1 License) and the T1 Assessment License for Autonomous Vehicles (AV) on Public Paths (T1 License) from Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA). This achievement enables WeRide's Robobus to conduct large-scale tests on public roads in Singapore, encompassing vital areas like One North and the National University of Singapore.
Distinguishing itself globally, WeRide becomes the premier and sole tech company to concurrently hold autonomous driving permits in China, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and now Singapore.
The stringent criteria for acquiring the M1 License entail multifaceted assessments, encompassing fundamental autonomous driving functions, obstacle recognition and avoidance, redundancy in vehicle control by safety drivers, overall vehicle safety performance, and more. Tests are meticulously conducted in facilities mirroring urban road traffic scenarios in Singapore, where vehicles must flawlessly execute designated tasks. Notably, Singapore's exacting safety requisites render this license exceptionally prestigious.
WeRide's swift achievement of both M1 and T1 licenses within three months, from the arrival of its Robobus at the Centre of Excellence for Testing and Research of Autonomous Vehicles to obtaining these licenses, sets a record for expedited licensing in Singapore. This accomplishment underscores the company's global leadership in Level 4 autonomous driving.
Singapore faces mounting challenges in road network congestion and parking due to a substantial 66% rise in domestic travel over the last decade. Moreover, with over 30% of the urban transportation workforce aging beyond 50 years, the city-state is directing its focus toward high-density autonomous public transportation for sustainable development. WeRide, with its autonomous driving solutions, is strategically aligned with Singapore's goals and has inked agreements with local partners to further this agenda.
WeRide's year has been marked by significant strides on both domestic and global fronts. After operating Robotaxi fleets in the UAE for almost two years, the company secured the UAE's first autonomous driving license in July. This historic achievement signifies authorization for all of WeRide's autonomous vehicles to conduct road tests and operations across the UAE.
In November, WeRide received approval to launch fully driverless Robotaxis in Beijing, allowing fare-charging services without safety drivers on board. This accelerated commercialization marks a significant step for the company.
Looking ahead, WeRide remains committed to surmounting challenges and expanding its top-notch autonomous driving technology, products, and services globally, revolutionizing urban living through the power of autonomous driving.
