Chinese autonomous driving company WeRide plans to deploy between 7,000 and 10,000 robotaxis in Saudi Arabia by 2030, according to a senior executive.
WeRide already operates robotaxis in Riyadh through partnerships with Uber and local company Ai Driver. The service launched last year from the airport, and the fleet is expected to reach 100 vehicles in the city by the end of this year, Jennifer Li, the company’s head of international and chief financial officer, told AGBI.
The company plans to expand into central Riyadh’s Olaya district and launch a separate project next year in Qiddiya, the entertainment development south of the capital. WeRide also operates autonomous buses in AlUla.
Its Robosweeper street-cleaning vehicles have been recalled for upgrades to handle the Gulf’s dust and sand, Li said.
WeRide’s Riyadh rollout has generally received a positive response, although designated pickup points have created challenges during Saudi Arabia’s hot summers. Unlike conventional taxis, the autonomous vehicles cannot make small route adjustments to meet passengers, who may need to walk to the pickup location.
Saudi Arabia aims for 15% of its public transport vehicles to be autonomous by 2030.
Source: AGBI
