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Autonomous driving startup WeRide WRD is shifting into high gear with Tencent Cloud as its co-pilot. The two companies have expanded their strategic partnership to fast-track the commercial deployment of WeRide’s Level-4 robotaxi services and boost their reach across global markets.
This move builds on a previous collaboration in April 2024. Now, the focus is broader—bringing self-driving technology to everyday users through Tencent’s platforms like WeChat and Tencent Maps. Users will be able to hail a WeRide robotaxi directly from Tencent’s Smart Transportation Mini Program.
Notably, WeRide saw its revenues decline roughly 10% last year to $49 million. By tapping into Tencent Cloud’s vast infrastructure and data capabilities, WeRide aims to strengthen both its R&D and commercial operations.
With Tencent’s cloud and mapping services, WeRide plans to tailor autonomous driving solutions for international markets, where it already holds a first-mover edge. Localized, compliant cloud services will help the company scale up its overseas presence more efficiently and reliably.
Additionally, the companies will co-develop a data-driven platform that integrates cloud computing and advanced mapping tools. This platform will support end-to-end data compliance and accelerate the mass production of smart driving technologies.
This expanded alliance with Tencent positions WeRide to move faster and further in the competitive autonomous mobility space, both in China and beyond. As the race to commercialize robotaxis intensifies, having Tencent’s digital ecosystem and cloud power could be a game-changer.
Competitors in the Robotaxi Space
WeRide’s deeper collaboration with Tencent is sure to catch the attention of its rivals like Alphabet’s GOOGL Waymo and Baidu BIDU.
Alphabet’s self-driving unit, Waymo, is the leading force in the U.S. robotaxi domain. The company has been operating fully driverless rides in Phoenix, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Austin. Alphabet is betting big on autonomous tech through Waymo, investing heavily in safety, mapping, and in-house AI to maintain its lead. Waymo is providing over 250,000 paid Robotaxi rides each week.
In China, Baidu has firmly established itself as a powerhouse in the robotaxi space. Its autonomous ride-hailing service, Apollo Go, now boasts a global fleet of 1,000 vehicles—a major milestone that highlights its growing scale and ambition. As of May, Apollo Go had handled over 11 million ride orders and extended its presence to 15 cities across China. While it continues to grow its Robotaxi footprint at home, Apollo Go is now setting its sights on international markets, signaling Baidu’s intent to become a global player in the self-driving race.