Chinese autonomous driving developers are aggressively expanding their reach beyond the mainland, with WeRide set to launch robotaxi and robobus services in Hong Kong this year. This strategic move signals a growing ambition among Chinese tech firms to capture new markets in the burgeoning field of self-driving transportation.
Maeve Zhang, WeRide’s Senior Director of Public Relations and Marketing, confirmed the company’s plans for Hong Kong during a recent media briefing. While specific operational areas and exact launch dates remain undisclosed, the inclusion of both robotaxis and robobuses indicates a comprehensive approach to integrating autonomous mobility into the city’s infrastructure.
In parallel, WeRide is collaborating with Grab to introduce its Robotaxi GXR model in Singapore. This service is slated to commence on April 1st, allowing passengers to book self-driving vehicles through the Grab application. Zhang noted that, in adherence to local regulations, a safety operator will be present in the vehicles during the initial phase of operation.
Global Ambitions of Chinese Self-Driving Pioneers
The expansion of companies like WeRide highlights a broader trend of Chinese self-driving technology leaders seeking opportunities on the international stage. This global push is driven by the immense potential for new business ventures and the desire to establish a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving industry.
Baidu’s Apollo Go has already made significant inroads, becoming the first company to receive approval for road tests in Hong Kong in 2024. Baidu reported that its vehicles had accumulated 20,000 kilometers of “safe driving” in the city by August.
Pony.ai, another prominent player based in Guangzhou, is also reportedly in discussions to expand its operations into Hong Kong. Guo Yu, Pony.ai’s Public Relations Manager, indicated that 2026 is anticipated to mark the “start of commercialisation” for the company. Pony.ai has achieved a significant milestone, with its fleet in Shenzhen reaching break-even on a per-vehicle basis in February, following a similar achievement in Guangzhou the previous year.
The economic viability of autonomous driving services is a key focus for these companies. Baidu’s Apollo Go has also reported achieving unit-level break-even in Wuhan, a major city in central China.
Financial Performance and Future Outlook
WeRide recently announced record earnings, underscoring the growing financial strength of autonomous driving enterprises. The company is actively working towards achieving unit-level break-even in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, where it secured a license for fully driverless operations in October.
In 2025, WeRide reported a substantial 90% increase in revenue, reaching 685 million yuan (approximately US$98 million). Simultaneously, its net loss narrowed by 34% to 1.7 billion yuan. A particularly noteworthy development was the more than threefold increase in robotaxi revenue, which amounted to 148 million yuan.
Pony.ai is scheduled to release its fourth-quarter earnings report shortly, providing further insights into its financial performance and strategic direction.
The race to dominate the global autonomous driving market is intensifying, with Chinese companies demonstrating remarkable progress and ambition. Their expansion into international hubs like Hong Kong and Singapore signifies a new era of technological collaboration and competition, shaping the future of urban mobility worldwide. The successful commercialisation and widespread adoption of these technologies will depend on regulatory approvals, public acceptance, and continued technological innovation.
