Southeast Asia’s super app Grab has made a strategic equity investment in NASDAQ-listed autonomous driving technology provider WeRide, according to an announcement.
The investment is part of a partnership between both companies to accelerate the deployment and commercialisation of Level 4 robotaxis and shuttles in Southeast Asia.
Through this collaboration, WeRide will integrate its autonomous driving technology into Grab’s fleet management, vehicle matching and routing ecosystem.
Grab’s investment is expected to be completed by the first half of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions and WeRide’s preferred timing. The deal supports WeRide’s growth strategy to expand its commercial AV fleet in Southeast Asia and advance AI-driven mobility.
In addition, WeRide and Grab will train, upskill and transition Grab driver-partners and local communities to high-value career pathways within the AV industry.
“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. 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,” said Dr. Tony Han, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of WeRide.
“We want everyone in Southeast Asia to have access to reliable transportation whenever they need it. However, manpower constraints remain a challenge. We believe AVs can complement our driver network and be deployed in cities with significant driver shortages,” said Anthony Tan, Group Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Grab.
In March this year, Grab announced the signing of new Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with four prominent autonomous technology companies: Autonomous A2Z, Motional, WeRide and Zelos. These partnerships aim to explore the impact and potential role of AVs within Southeast Asia’s unique transportation landscape.
