Robotaxis set to launch in Madrid before the year’s end
WeRide, Uber and Avomo are expanding their global alliance and will land in the Spanish capital with backing from the regional government
WeRide, one of the leading companies in autonomous‑driving technology, along with Uber Technologies and Avomo — a Moove Cars group company — announced on Tuesday their plans to launch Spain’s first commercial autonomous‑vehicle pilot in Madrid before the end of this year. The service would thus make its debut in Europe, as other major players like Alphabet’s Waymo and Tesla expand in cities around the world. Indeed, it will be the first time the companies launch a service together in Europe.
In a statement released Tuesday, the companies said the service is expected to begin operating at the end of the year, in collaboration with the regional government of Madrid, and will allow users to request rides in autonomous vehicles through the Uber app. The fleet will be deployed gradually and, in an initial phase, will include safety operators on board.
As part of their plans, Uber, WeRide and Avomo expect to add “hundreds of Robotaxis as key performance milestones are met, including the expansion of fully driverless commercial service across core urban areas,” according to the joint statement.
As an example, the three companies highlight their “proven experience” in the Middle East, where WeRide and Uber operate commercial robotaxi services in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Riyadh is expected to be the next city to join.
The rollout reflects “WeRide’s asset-light operating strategy, enabling robotaxi commercialization through established partners that contribute fleet investment and platform support,” said the statement. As for operations themselves, Avomo, a company in the Moove Cars group and Uber’s partner for autonomous vehicle operations in the United States in Atlanta and Austin, will provide the transport service in Madrid.
The companies say the Madrid region is one of Europe’s most attractive markets for autonomous vehicles thanks to its high demand for mobility, large urban population and “favorable policies.”
With this launch, WeRide and Uber will jointly operate robotaxis in four of the 15 cities included in their strategic agreement, with 11 more planned through 2030. Under this alliance, the two companies plan to deploy tens of thousands of robotaxis on public roads worldwide.
Powered by the WeRide One technology platform and the WeRide Genesis simulation platform, WeRide says it is confident it can replicate the success achieved in the Middle East to accelerate the rollout of safe, reliable robotaxi services in the Spanish capital.
“Launching driverless Robotaxis in Madrid, one of Europe’s fastest-growing urban environments, demonstrates our ability to operate safely in complex real-world conditions. Spain is our fifth European market entry and further strengthens our position as a trusted Robotaxi operator across the continent. Together with Uber, we’re combining our autonomous driving technology with their mobility platform to accelerate commercialization at scale,” said Dr. Tony Han, founder and CEO of WeRide
“Madrid represents an important next step in our partnership with WeRide to bring autonomous mobility to more people around the world,” said Sarfraz Maredia, global head of autonomous mobility and delivery at Uber. “With a clear regulatory path and strong local partners, Madrid is a natural place to become a leading European market for AVs. We’re excited to help shape the future of autonomous mobility in Europe together.”
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