WeRide and Grab Unite to Deploy Thousands of Robotaxis in SEA

Southeast Asia's transportation landscape is on the verge of a major transformation as ride-hailing giant Grab makes a strategic equity investment in autonomous driving pioneer WeRide. The partnership aims to deploy thousands of Level 4 autonomous robotaxis across the region, creating one of the world's largest autonomous fleet operations outside of China and the United States.

Key Takeaways

Grab's investment of tens of millions of dollars in WeRide will fuel the deployment of thousands of autonomous vehicles across Southeast Asia
The partnership will implement Level 4 autonomous driving technology, allowing vehicles to operate without human intervention in most conditions
WeRide's technology has already been tested in over 30 cities across 10 countries globally
The global robotaxi market is projected to grow from $2.77 billion in 2024 to $188.91 billion by 2034
This initiative aims to address driver shortages while creating new economic opportunities through training and upskilling programs

Strategic Partnership Transforms Southeast Asian Urban Mobility

The partnership between Grab and WeRide represents a landmark development for autonomous transportation in Southeast Asia. Grab, the region's leading superapp, has invested tens of millions of dollars in WeRide, with the transaction expected to be completed by the first half of 2026. This follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding in March 2025, when both companies agreed to explore the feasibility of autonomous vehicles and their potential for job creation in the region.

WeRide brings significant credentials to this partnership as the first publicly traded robotaxi company globally. Its recognition in Fortune Magazine's 2024 "The Future 50" list highlights its innovative approach and growth potential. The partnership's primary goal is the large-scale deployment of Level 4 robotaxis and autonomous shuttles across Southeast Asia.

Ambitious Regional Deployment Plans

The partnership envisions deploying thousands of robotaxis throughout Southeast Asia, following a carefully planned progressive rollout. This methodical approach ensures alignment with local regulations and societal readiness in each market. With Grab's extensive network spanning more than 800 cities across eight countries—Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam—the potential scale of this deployment is enormous.

Both companies are committed to conducting extensive real-world testing in diverse Southeast Asian environments. This testing will focus on safety, reliability, and adaptation to local conditions. A central aspect of the partnership is ensuring seamless technical integration for "end-to-end integration" into Grab's existing network, prioritizing scalability and operational efficiency.

A sleek, modern WeRide robotaxi with Grab branding operating on a busy street in Singapore or Jakarta, with recognizable city landmarks in the background. The autonomous vehicle should be shown navigating through typical Southeast Asian traffic with passengers visible through the windows.

Advanced Technology Powering Southeast Asia's AV Revolution

The implementation features Level 4 autonomous driving technology, which allows vehicles to handle most driving situations without human intervention. WeRide's autonomous platform incorporates AI, sophisticated sensors, and advanced mapping specifically adapted to navigate the complex urban environments typical of Southeast Asian cities.

The system utilizes a comprehensive tech stack including AI, computer vision, machine learning, and remote monitoring capabilities. Key priorities include:

Optimized dispatch and routing systems
Robust maintenance protocols
Real-time remote supervision

WeRide brings substantial experience to the table, with its platform already deployed or tested in over 30 cities across 10 countries. The company currently holds permits for autonomous driving in six markets: China, Singapore, France, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and the US.

Global Robotaxi Market Growth and Regional Opportunity

This partnership positions both companies to capitalize on the explosive growth predicted for the global robotaxi market. According to industry forecasts, the market is projected to grow from USD 2.77 billion in 2024 to USD 188.91 billion by 2034, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 52.54%.

The Asia Pacific region is set to play a dominant role in this growth. By 2025, the region's robotaxi market will reach USD 388.13 million, accounting for 52.55% of the global market. By 2034, this figure is expected to exceed USD 61.4 billion. Southeast Asia specifically holds a 9.59% share of the APAC market in 2025.

The region's rapid urbanization and digital adoption are accelerating demand for robotaxi solutions. Through their collaboration, Grab and WeRide are establishing a significant first-mover advantage in Southeast Asia's autonomous mobility landscape.

An aerial view showing multiple WeRide robotaxis integrated within Grab's app interface, depicting the vehicles spread across a Southeast Asian city map with pickup locations, highlighting the technological integration and scale of deployment across the urban landscape.

Creating New Economic Opportunities Through AV Implementation

Beyond transportation, this partnership focuses on workforce development and transition. A key aspect involves training, upskilling, and transitioning Grab's driver-partners and local communities to prepare them for high-value roles in the autonomous vehicle industry.

Rather than completely replacing human drivers, the autonomous vehicles aim to complement them, especially in cities facing chronic driver shortages. This approach enhances mobility while reducing manpower constraints, improving access to reliable transportation for millions across the region.

The potential for 24/7 transportation service availability represents a significant improvement in accessibility and convenience for Southeast Asian residents, particularly in underserved areas or during off-peak hours when traditional services might be limited.

Seamless Integration into Grab's Ecosystem

A critical factor in the partnership's success will be the integration of WeRide's autonomous vehicles with Grab's ride-hailing, fleet management, and routing ecosystem. The system is designed to optimize routing, maximize vehicle uptime, and enhance safety by reducing human error.

This collaboration joins the global trend of ride-hailing and robotaxi alliances, similar to partnerships between Lyft and Baidu or Uber and Aurora. However, the Grab-WeRide partnership has a unique advantage in Southeast Asia, where they face less established competition in the autonomous vehicle space.

Future Impact on Southeast Asian Transportation

The implementation of this robotaxi fleet will help address chronic driver shortages in rapidly urbanizing areas across Southeast Asia. By providing more reliable, around-the-clock transportation options for millions of people, the partnership will significantly enhance mobility throughout the region.

This initiative represents a major milestone in the digital transformation of regional transportation systems. As the deployment progresses, it will position Southeast Asia as a global leader in autonomous mobility adoption, potentially influencing transportation models in other regions facing similar urban challenges.

The Grab-WeRide partnership demonstrates how traditional ride-hailing can evolve to embrace autonomous technology, creating a model that balances innovation with workforce transition and community needs.