WeRide, a leading Chinese autonomous driving company listed on NASDAQ under the ticker WRD, has made a major move in Europe. On September 11, 2025, the company officially launched its autonomous Robobus in Leuven, Belgium. This milestone marks WeRide’s entry into its 11th global market, strengthening its European presence in France, Switzerland, and Spain.
The launch is in partnership with Flemish public transport operator De Lijn, the City of Leuven, and mobility consulting firm Espaces-Mobilités. Together, they aim to bring Belgium’s first autonomous vehicle operation into real-world, mixed urban traffic. The initiative underscores Europe’s growing commitment to sustainable and innovative public transportation.
Phased Rollout of the Robobus
The Robobus project will be rolled out in stages to ensure safety and seamless integration. Preparations began on September 11 with mapping and route setup between Leuven Station and Heverlee, covering downtown’s busy streets.
By mid-September, public road testing will start with a safety officer on board. From mid-November until January 2026, the Robobus will operate as a pilot shuttle under De Lijn, transporting real passengers with digital tickets available via app, SMS, or subscription. After this phase, the service is expected to transition into regular operations, moving towards fully driverless mobility.
Partners Driving Belgium’s Innovation
De Lijn plays a central role by operating the pilot and integrating it into the national transport system. The City of Leuven has provided urban support, choosing a downtown route to test the Robobus under complex conditions with pedestrians, cyclists, and heavy traffic.
Espaces-Mobilités, a consulting firm, has guided the project with planning and regulatory compliance. The team also completed a year-long training program on autonomous mobility to prepare for Belgium’s first commercial AV deployment.
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Technology Behind the Robobus
The Robobus is designed for Level 4 autonomy, capable of operating without human intervention in controlled environments. Powered by electricity, it directly supports urban sustainability and reduced emissions. The vehicle’s ability to navigate mixed traffic represents a breakthrough for Europe’s autonomous public transport ambitions.
If approved for full operations, the Robobus will become Belgium’s first AV service in real-world urban conditions. It also positions WeRide as a frontrunner in delivering scalable and eco-friendly autonomous mobility across Europe.
Strategic Expansion for WeRide
Jennifer Li, WeRide’s CFO and Head of International, described the launch as a critical milestone. “Europe is a key AV market with strong public investment and clear commercialization paths,” she said. “Belgium stands out as a mobility-focused innovation hub, and we are pleased to partner with De Lijn, Espaces-Mobilités, and the City of Leuven to scale autonomous services.”
The announcement has attracted attention from both investors and industry observers. Analysts highlight the project’s potential to ease congestion and improve sustainable mobility in Europe, boosting WeRide’s profile on global markets.
WeRide’s Broader Global Push
Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Guangzhou, WeRide has grown rapidly, offering autonomous solutions from Level 2 to Level 4. Its portfolio includes robotaxis, robovans, and robobuses already deployed in China, the UAE, and Singapore.
With a Nasdaq listing in October 2024 valued at over $5 billion, WeRide continues to expand strategically in regions with favorable AV regulations. The Belgian Robobus rollout reinforces its ambition to become a global leader in autonomous driving technology.
