Grab invests in WeRide to bring Level 4 Robotaxis to Southeast Asia
WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD), a global leader in autonomous driving technology, has secured a strategic equity investment from Grab (NASDAQ: GRAB), Southeast Asia’s leading superapp. The move strengthens both companies’ shared vision to deploy and commercialize Level 4 Robotaxis and shuttles across the region, integrating WeRide’s autonomous vehicles (AVs) into Grab’s network to enhance safety, service quality, and operational efficiency.
The investment, expected to close in the first half of 2026 pending standard conditions, will accelerate WeRide’s growth strategy in Southeast Asia. This includes expanding its commercial AV fleet and advancing AI-driven mobility solutions tailored for the region.
Boosting operational efficiency through AI integration
The partnership will see WeRide’s autonomous driving technology integrated into Grab’s fleet management, vehicle matching, and routing systems. This integration aims to optimize dispatching, maximize vehicle uptime through advanced maintenance and charging protocols, and enhance passenger experiences.
Safety remains a priority, with WeRide leveraging its regional expertise to train AVs for Southeast Asia’s challenging traffic conditions. Remote monitoring, teleoperations, and customer support systems will also be implemented to ensure smooth operations.
Upskilling and new career opportunities for drivers
Beyond technology, the collaboration focuses on workforce transition. Both companies will train, upskill, and prepare Grab’s driver-partners and local communities for new high-value roles within the AV industry.
WeRide CEO Dr. Tony Han emphasized the plan to progressively roll out thousands of Robotaxis in line with local regulations, while Grab CEO Anthony Tan highlighted the potential for AVs to complement human drivers in cities facing manpower shortages.
This initiative builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in March 2025, which explored the feasibility, scalability, and job creation potential of autonomous vehicles in Southeast Asia.
