Grab, the top superapp in Southeast Asia, has committed to a strategic equity investment in WeRide, an autonomous driving technology company based in China, the company announced last Friday.
The investment, according to a statement from the two businesses, is a part of a strategic partnership to speed up the deployment and commercialization of Level 4 Robotaxis and shuttles in Southeast Asia. It also reflects a shared vision to seamlessly integrate WeRide’s autonomous vehicles (AVs) into Grab’s network in order to improve service and safety levels.
Assuming standard closing conditions and WeRide’s desired timing are met, Grab’s investment should be finished by the first half of 2026.
It complements WeRide’s growth plan to develop artificial intelligence (AI)-driven mobility and increase the number of commercial AVs in Southeast Asia.
Through this collaboration, a framework for implementing self-governing solutions throughout Grab’s network will be established, improving scalability and operational efficiency.
As part of this strategic partnership, Grab’s fleet management, vehicle matching, and routing ecosystem will incorporate WeRide’s autonomous driving technology.
Additionally, WeRide and Grab will provide training, upskilling, and a transition to high-value career pathways in the AV industry for local communities and interested Grab driver partners.
“WeRide’s vision for Southeast Asia is to deploy thousands of Robotaxis across the region, through a progressive rollout aligned with local regulations and societal readiness,” said Dr. Tony Han, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of WeRide.
“Grab, our newest partner and investor, is a household name in Southeast Asia with unmatched regional expertise and scale in ride-hailing and digital services,”
“Together, we will combine WeRide’s advanced AV technology and operational know-how with Grab’s strengths to accelerate safe, efficient Robotaxi services, enter new markets, and reinforce our first-mover leadership in shaping the future of mobility,” he added.
Grab’s Group CEO and Co-Founder, Anthony Tan, stated that the company wants all Southeast Asians to have access to dependable transportation at all times.
But he believed that the lack of manpower was still a problem.
“We believe AVs can complement our driver network and be deployed in cities with significant driver shortages,
“We look forward to working with WeRide to extensively test their vehicles across diverse Southeast Asian environments,” he said.
