Insider Brief
- WeRide is launching a national autonomous driving program in Slovakia, marking its fourth European market and its first large-scale, multi-product commercial deployment in the region.
- The company is partnering with government-backed Elevate Slovakia, deploying robotaxis, robobuses, robovans and robosweepers with local firm DiusAi supporting integration and operations.
- The rollout reflects WeRide’s strategy of scaling globally through government partnerships, with plans for more than 2,600 robotaxis by 2026 and broader expansion by 2030.
WeRide is expanding deeper into Europe with a national autonomous driving rollout in Slovakia, marking its fourth market in the region and its first large-scale, multi-product commercial deployment in Europe. The move extends the company’s footprint to more than 40 cities across 12 countries as it accelerates global expansion, according to the company.
The China-based company is partnering with Elevate Slovakia, a government-backed initiative that brings together ministries, municipalities and industry players to build a regulatory framework for autonomous mobility. WeRide said it will serve as the technology provider, with local firm DiusAi handling system integration and operations.
“WeRide’s global expansion is picking up speed as more governments and cities advance large-scale autonomous mobility. With plans for over 2,600 active Robotaxis by the end of 2026 and tens of thousands globally by 2030, Slovakia represents a strategic next step as we extend our global presence to 12 countries,” Founder and CEO Dr. Tony Han said in the announcement. “By engaging early with governments, we aim to be their go-to partner and set the standards for safe, scalable AV commercialization.”
WeRide plans to deploy its full product suite, including robotaxis, robobuses, robovans and robosweepers, targeting passenger transport, logistics and municipal services. Initial vehicles are expected to arrive in spring 2026, with testing set to begin in Bratislava before expanding to other regions, the company said.
The Slovakia entry reflects WeRide’s strategy of working closely with governments to establish early footholds in regulated markets and position itself as a long-term partner for autonomous mobility deployment. The company is targeting more than 2,600 active robotaxis by the end of 2026 and significantly larger global scale by 2030.
