WeRide Inc.
Spain's Directorate General of Traffic granted the permit under its ES-AV framework. It allows the companies to test WeRide's GXR autonomous vehicles on public roads.
Madrid Launch Planned For 2026
The partners will initially deploy 20 vehicles across high-demand areas in Greater Madrid. An in-car vehicle specialist will supervise each vehicle during the initial phase.
The permit allows the companies to begin mapping, route validation and operational readiness testing. Commercial operations are expected to start by the end of 2026, subject to regulatory and operational milestones.
The approval is also WeRide's first national permit for its GXR autonomous vehicle in the European Union. It could support future certification and commercialization across the region.
WeRide, Uber Expand Global Partnership
Madrid will become the fourth of 15 cities covered by WeRide and Uber's strategic partnership. The companies plan to enter another 11 cities by 2030.
Under the partnership, WeRide provides autonomous driving technology. Uber contributes its ride-hailing platform, while AVOMO handles fleet operations.
The companies plan to eventually deploy tens of thousands of autonomous vehicles globally.
"Receiving this permit is a significant achievement for WeRide as it marks our ninth autonomous driving permit worldwide," said Jennifer Li, WeRide's CFO and head of international.
The Madrid service will mark Uber and WeRide's first planned autonomous vehicle deployment in Europe.
Price Action: WeRide shares were down 0.69% at $5.78 and Uber Technologies shares were down 0.27% at $70.89 at the time of publication on Thursday, according to Benzinga Pro data.
