WeRide launches driverless commercial Robobus service in Europe

Beijing (Gasgoo)- On February 27, 2025, autonomous driving company WeRide in collaboration with the Renault Group, French autonomous mobility service operator beti, and insurance group Macif, launched its L4 autonomous minibus (Robobus) service in Drôme, France. This marks WeRide's first public road deployment of fully driverless Robobus service in Europe.

Photo credit: WeRide

WeRide provided several Robobuses equipped with L4 autonomous driving technology. Each shuttle, measuring 6 meters in length, can accommodate up to 8 passengers. The Robobus fleet will be operated by beti and is set to begin service on March 10 at the Rovaltain business park, near the Valence TGV station.

The shuttle service will initially cover a 3.3-km route, serving the TGV station, long-term parking lots, dining areas, and over 150 businesses within the 162-hectare business park, benefiting approximately 3,000 employees. The service will roll out in two phases: a trial operation from March 10 to April 19, followed by full-scale operations starting in July 2025.

The project represents a groundbreaking collaboration between four industry leaders, all working towards the shared goal of providing accessible, shared autonomous transportation services that span both urban and suburban areas. The initiative aims to promote green transportation transformation and offer convenient travel solutions for work, healthcare, education, and leisure.