In autonomous and self-driving vehicle news are WeRide, Nullmax, Renesas and Hesai.
WeRide Launches First Fully Driverless Robobus Service in Europe
WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD), a global leader in autonomous driving, has announced its first fully driverless commercial Robobus deployment in Europe. In partnership with beti, Renault Group, and Macif, WeRide will provide L4-level automated shuttle services in France’s Drôme region. Operated by beti Automated Mobility, the service will launch on March 10 at the Rovaltain business park near Valence TGV station.
The Robobus fleet, featuring six-meter-long vehicles capable of carrying eight passengers, will operate on a 3.3 km route, enhancing connectivity between the train station, parking areas, businesses, and a catering hub. The initiative aims to offer sustainable last-mile transport and a low-carbon alternative to walking.
This marks a milestone for WeRide, showcasing its European expansion and advancing high-level automated transport. The project follows successful trials with Renault Group and will undergo a learning phase from March 10 to April 19, followed by a second phase in July.
Key Trends Reshaping the Automotive Industry Post-CES 2025
STRADVISION’s February 2025 Market Intelligence Report, authored by Product Manager Alden Kim, examines pivotal trends transforming the automotive landscape following CES 2025. The report emphasizes the influence of autonomous driving (AD), software-defined vehicles (SDVs), and cloud-based solutions.
WeRide Launches Fully Unmanned GXR Robotaxi
WeRide, a global leader in autonomous driving technology, has received approval to launch its GXR Robotaxi for fully unmanned, paid ride-hailing services in Beijing. This marks the second Robotaxi model from WeRide to achieve driverless commercial operations in the city. The GXR service spans key regions, including high-speed railway stations and highways to Beijing Daxing International Airport.
In just four months since its official launch, the GXR is now commercially operational, demonstrating WeRide’s rapid deployment capabilities. The GXR features L4-level autonomous technology, spacious seating, and high safety standards, and is available for hailing via the WeRide Go app. WeRide is the only company to operate commercial Robotaxi services in both China and abroad, with plans to expand the fleet in Beijing and internationally, including future operations in Zurich, Switzerland.
Experts Warn of Safety Concerns as Driverless Vehicles Expand
As driverless cars and trucks become more prevalent on U.S. roads, technical experts caution that there is no definitive proof they will be safer than human-driven vehicles. Attorney and traffic safety expert Amy Witherite emphasizes the need for rigorous evaluation before widespread adoption, warning that policymakers should not assume autonomous vehicles (AVs) will reduce accidents.
According to the Association for Computer Machinery (ACM), the nation’s leading organization of computer engineers, experimental AVs have already caused serious injuries and fatalities and will likely continue to do so. The ACM further states that fully automated vehicles may never be able to operate safely without human oversight except in controlled environments.
Despite these concerns, autonomous transportation services are rapidly expanding. DHL Supply Chain has launched self-driving freight hauls in Texas, while Kodiak Robotics and Pilot Company have opened a facility in Georgia to support AV trucking. Meanwhile, Uber is rolling out Waymo robotaxis in Austin and Atlanta, and Lyft has announced plans to introduce driverless ride-hailing in Dallas next year.
Public confidence in AV safety remains low. A Pew Research Center study found that only one in five Americans feels comfortable sharing the road with driverless cars. Witherite Law Group, which specializes in vehicle accident cases, stresses the need for stronger regulations to ensure public safety as the technology continues to evolve.
Nullmax and Renesas Partner to Advance ADAS and Autonomous Driving Technologies
On February 24, autonomous driving AI company Nullmax and semiconductor solutions provider Renesas Electronics signed a strategic partnership agreement in Shanghai. The collaboration will focus on enhancing Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) by combining Nullmax’s AI-driven software with the high-performance capabilities of Renesas’ R-Car V4 and R-Car X5 series chips.
The partnership aims to develop mass-production solutions that improve the reliability and accessibility of intelligent driving technologies. Both companies emphasized their commitment to accelerating advancements in autonomous driving, with a focus on efficiency, safety, and commercialization.
Nullmax, established in 2016, has been dedicated to full-scenario autonomous driving applications, leveraging AI and proprietary platform-based technology. Through this collaboration, Nullmax and Renesas seek to provide automakers and Tier 1 suppliers with more competitive and scalable autonomous driving solutions.
Hesai Expands Lidar Innovation with Patent Leadership and SPAD Technology
Hesai Technology, a global leader in lidar technology, now holds the highest number of published patent applications for lidar worldwide, exceeding 1,500. With nearly 1,800 patents and applications, Hesai has solidified its position as an innovation powerhouse. The company strengthened its intellectual property portfolio by acquiring Swiss firm Fastree3D, a pioneer in SPAD digital lidar technology. This acquisition supports Hesai’s fourth-generation lidar platform, set for production in 2025, offering high-performance and cost-effective solutions. Hesai’s FTX lidar, featuring an industry-leading field of view and compact design, is optimized for automotive and robotics applications. In December 2024 alone, the company shipped over 20,000 lidar units, aiming to surpass 1 million units in 2025.