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WeRide Robotaxi Secures Autonomous Driving Permit in Saudi Arabia, Products Now Licensed in Six Countries

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, July 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — WeRide (NASDAQ: WRD), a global leader in autonomous driving technology, has announced today that its Robotaxi was granted Saudi Arabia's first Robotaxi autonomous driving permit, making it the world's only technology company with products holding autonomous driving permits in six countries: Saudi Arabia, China, the UAE, Singapore, France, and the US.

WeRide's Robotaxi in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

With this permit, WeRide is authorized to operate an autonomous vehicle (AV) business and deploy Robotaxis nationwide in Saudi Arabia, starting with its pilot operations in Riyadh with Uber and local partner Ai Driver.

Launched earlier this month, the pilot covers King Khalid International Airport and several key locations throughout Riyadh, including major highways and selected city center destinations. A full–scale commercial Robotaxi service is expected to launch by end–2025 through a partnership between WeRide and Uber.

WeRide's Robotaxi was granted the permit at an official ceremony last week, attended by His Excellency Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al–Jasser, Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and Chairman of the Transport General Authority (TGA); Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International at WeRide; and other senior Saudi government officials.

WeRide is the first AV technology company whose Robotaxi has completed the TGA's Regulatory Sandbox for AV Piloting in Saudi Arabia. The approval process, conducted in coordination with multiple government agencies, includes rigorous testing, assessments, and technology validation to secure the Robotaxi autonomous driving permit, to ensure the highest standards of safety and performance.

“This permit marks a major step in our global expansion, enabling us to scale Robotaxi services and unlock new commercial opportunities in Saudi Arabia. It drives large–scale deployment, unlocks new revenue streams, and reinforces our commitment to making autonomous mobility a reality worldwide. We thank the TGA for supporting our vision for safer, smarter transportation at scale,” said Jennifer Li, CFO and Head of International at WeRide.

This announcement follows WeRide’s entry into Saudi Arabia in May 2025. In addition to its Robotaxi plans, WeRide has been testing and operating its Robobus in key locations including King Fahad Medical City, Aramco residential communities, AlUla, and the Ritz–Carlton, Riyadh. Its Robosweeper S1 is also in operation at King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh Second Health Cluster, marking the first monetized autonomous sanitation project in both Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East.

Beyond Saudi Arabia, WeRide has been rapidly expanding across the region in the last few months. Its Robotaxis are currently undergoing fully driverless Robotaxi testing in Abu Dhabi — the first deployment of its kind in Middle East — and will also soon extend its Robotaxi service to Dubai.

About WeRide
WeRide is a global leader and a first mover in the autonomous driving industry, as well as the first publicly traded Robotaxi company. Our autonomous vehicles have been tested or operated in over 30 cities across 10 countries. We are also the first and only technology company whose products have received autonomous driving permits in six markets: China, France, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, the UAE, and the US. Empowered by the smart, versatile, cost–effective, and highly adaptable WeRide One platform, WeRide provides autonomous driving products and services from L2 to L4, addressing transportation needs in the mobility, logistics, and sanitation industries. WeRide was named in Fortune Magazine’s 2024 “The Future 50” list.

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Safe Harbor Statement
This Report (including its exhibit) contains statements that may constitute “forward–looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward–looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to,” and similar statements. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about WeRide’s beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward–looking statements. Forward–looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in WeRide’s and Uber’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this Report is as of the date of this Report. Neither WeRide nor Uber undertakes any obligation to update any forward–looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/68d8e7b7–f0e9–4056–a03e–d76112c629d6


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SOUEAST Unveils New Chapter in Egypt, Strengthening African Market Presence

CAIRO, July 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SOUEAST launched four new models in Egypt, marking a significant expansion in the African market. The event, themed “Ease Your Life”, was held at Cairo's iconic landmark – Alamain Boulevard North Square, showcasing the brand's commitment to elevating users' automotive consumption experience with innovative concepts.

(Image 1: SOUEAST Launched in Egypt)

SOUEAST: Reborn in 2024, expanding globally with urban–focused vehicles. With a presence in over 30 countries and regions, the automaker has established more than 144 sales and service networks worldwide. SOUEAST targets the urban premium market with its “6+2+1” product matrix: 6 urban SUVs; 2 urban sedans; 1 lifestyle pickup truck. Covering segments from B to D–class, the lineup includes both fuel and hybrid powertrains, with pure electric models planned for the future. This diversified portfolio ensures tailored solutions for diverse markets and customer needs.   

The launch featured four new models: The flagship smart luxury SUV S09, urban intelligent C–segment SUV S07, urban stylish C–segment SUV S06 and compact urban SUV S05, covering almost all segments of the SUV market. These vehicles are designed to meet the diverse needs of drivers, offering a blend of style, comfort, and advanced technology. The S09, with its luxurious features and robust performance, is tailored for those seeking a premium driving experience. The S07 and S06, on the other hand, cater to the urban youth with their intelligent features and stylish designs. The S05, with its compact and agile body, is ideal for city commuters, providing versatile mobility for both urban roads and narrow alleys.

At the launch event, Andy Yuan, Assistant President of SOUEAST International, stated: “SOUEAST’s vision is enabling more youth around the world to have an EASE urban mobility experience.” He further emphasized SOUEAST Motor's strong confidence in the Egyptian market. According to the plan, SOUEAST and its partner will engage in comprehensive collaboration across market operations, customer service, branding, and channel development to deliver an integrated user experience. By 2025, SOUEAST aims to establish 15 sales outlets and 5 after–sales service centers in Egypt. Additionally, two new CKD models will be introduced between 2026 and 2027.

SOUEAST has recently entered North African markets, including Morocco and Libya. Its latest launch in Egypt marks a major breakthrough in the brand's strategic expansion across Africa. With this continued market growth, SOUEAST is poised to open a new chapter in its global development.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/33a2fc4e–aa26–4e0b–a4d6–75bd0a336512


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