In autonomous and self-driving vehicle news are WeRide, Waymo, INFRA and Nissan.
WeRide and Renault Launch Free Autonomous Robobus Trial in Barcelona
WeRide and Renault Group will introduce a free autonomous Robobus trial service in central Barcelona from March 10 to 14, marking the first demonstration of Level-4 automated transport in a dense European urban environment. The initiative aims to showcase the maturity and adaptability of autonomous driving technology, particularly in cities targeting carbon neutrality and Low Emission Zones.
The Robobus, authorized by Barcelona City Council and the Directorate General of Traffic, will operate on a 2-kilometer circular route with four stops, allowing passengers to experience autonomous transport in real traffic conditions. This trial builds on previous WeRide-Renault collaborations, including a fully driverless shuttle deployment in France and autonomous mobility projects in Switzerland.
WeRide sees the Barcelona trial as a key step in its European expansion, demonstrating the real-world viability of its smart, sustainable mobility solutions in complex urban settings.
WeRide Expanded in 2024
WeRide has strengthened its global presence through strategic expansions in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, achieving record robotaxi revenue in 2024. The company deployed end-to-end models for Level-4 driverless and ADAS systems, enhancing its autonomous driving capabilities. WeRide expanded its commercial robotaxi services in Abu Dhabi and Beijing, launched new robobus services in Europe, and introduced the robovan W5 for logistics. Additionally, it advanced its sanitation solutions with autonomous robosweepers in China and Singapore. Recognized for innovation, WeRide secured international certifications and continued to grow its fleet while maintaining safety and efficiency across markets.
Waymo Expands Robotaxi Service Across Silicon Valley
On Wednesday, Waymo began offering robotaxi rides to passengers in Mountain View, Los Altos, Palo Alto, and parts of Sunnyvale as part of its “Waymo One” early rider program. The move marks a significant expansion of the company’s footprint in Silicon Valley, increasing its coverage to 27 square miles, in addition to the 55 square miles already served in the San Francisco Bay Area.
The autonomous vehicles will be available 24/7, reinforcing the company’s ambition to grow its commercial presence. This expansion comes amid an eventful year for Waymo, which has seen substantial growth both in geographic coverage and commercial deployments.
Just last week, the company made its first foray into ride-hailing by enabling Uber users in Austin, Texas, to be matched with Waymo vehicles through the Uber app. This partnership, which also plans to expand to Atlanta later this year, underscores Waymo’s push into new markets. Meanwhile, Waymo has also teamed up with Moove, an African mobility startup, to launch in Miami.
Waymo’s ambitions extend far beyond these moves. The company plans to test its autonomous vehicles in up to 10 new cities across the U.S. in 2025, including Las Vegas and San Diego. These efforts are buoyed by a $5.6 billion funding round that closed late last year, bringing the company’s valuation to a hefty $45 billion.
INFRA Unveils First Giga Hub in LA to Power AV Infrastructure
San Francisco-based tech company INFRA has announced plans to launch its first “Giga Hub” in Los Angeles, marking a key milestone in its mission to build a global infrastructure for autonomous vehicles (AVs). The Giga Hub will feature ultra-fast charging, automated maintenance, and AI-driven fleet coordination, with its proprietary Hub-to-Grid (H2G) system enabling energy-efficient vehicle charging and grid integration. CEO John Gabriel emphasized the company’s vision of scaling Giga Hubs worldwide to support smart city development, reduce emissions, and improve mobility efficiency. With EV charging investments expected to exceed $450 billion by 2030, INFRA’s initiative presents a scalable solution for cities, automakers, and technology firms looking to advance sustainable AV ecosystems. More details on site expansions and strategic partnerships will be revealed in the coming months.
93-Year-Old Praises Nissan’s AV Tech
Brad Ashton, a 93-year-old retired comedy scriptwriter, recently experienced Nissan’s autonomous driving (AD) technology as part of the company’s evolvAD research project. Ashton, who relies on his car to care for his wife and maintain his independence, praised the technology for its potential to keep older drivers mobile. His experience coincided with a Nissan-commissioned survey of 1,000 seniors, which found that many fear losing their independence if they stop driving, and 64% would like future innovations, such as driverless cars, to help them stay self-sufficient. Nissan continues to advance AD technology, aiming to improve mobility, safety, and accessibility for all.
Key findings of the survey (*Nissan / OnePoll survey of 1,000 people aged over 70. Completed in March 2025).
- Almost two thirds of respondents (64%) would like the tech of the future to help people stay independent in later life
- 63% don’t want to rely on other people for help with everyday activities like shopping or transport
- A third (36%) of those living in rural areas say that not being able to drive makes them feel socially isolated
- 1-in-5 (21%) prefer to communicate only in-person with family and friends when they’re apart
- A chance to ride in a self-driving car would make them feel: nervous (67%), intrigued (24%), amazed (12%), excited (11%)