GUANGZHOU, China, Sept. 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — French Ambassador to China, Mr. Bertrand Lortholary, led a delegation to visit WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD), a global leader in autonomous driving technology, earlier this week, to learn more about the company’s operations and future plans in France.
The delegation included Mr. Christian Gianella, Minister Counsellor for Economic Affairs at the French Embassy, and Mr. Laurent Legodec, Consul General of France in Guangzhou. They were welcomed by WeRide’s Founder and CEO Dr. Tony Han and other company representatives.
During the visit, the delegation experienced WeRide’s autonomous Robotaxi and Robobus, observing their smooth performance and safety despite rainy conditions.
A roundtable discussion followed, where WeRide presented its company journey, flagship products, and international deployments, with particular attention to its operations in France and wider European expansion.
Recent milestones include:
- 2024–2025: Providing an exclusive Level 4 (L4) autonomous Robobus shuttle service at Roland Garros, Paris, for two consecutive years.
- 27 March 2025: Receiving France’s L4 driverless public road testing and operating permit for its Robobus, in partnership with French autonomous mobility operator beti.
- 27 February 2025: Launching Europe’s first fully driverless commercial deployment of its Robobus in Drôme, France, with beti, Renault Group, and Macif.
Currently, WeRide is partnering with Renault Group to launch a new mass-produced autonomous Robobus by 2030, meeting Europe’s growing demand for green public transport.
The visit concluded with Dr. Han presenting Ambassador Lortholary a model of WeRide’s Robobus as a token of appreciation.
Looking ahead, WeRide intends to continue developing its activities in France, strengthen local partnerships, and contribute autonomous driving solutions that support safer and more sustainable mobility in Europe.
