Autonomous driving technology company WeRide has announced a strategic collaboration with Geely Farizon New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group (Geely Farizon) and Hong Kong-based public transport operator Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings Limited to jointly develop right-hand-drive Robotaxis for global markets.
The partnership was unveiled at the 2026 International Automotive & Supply Chain Expo in Hong Kong and aims to address the growing demand for autonomous mobility solutions in regions that operate right-hand-drive vehicles.
As the market currently lacks purpose-built right-hand-drive Robotaxis, the three companies will combine their expertise in autonomous driving technology, new-energy vehicle manufacturing, and public transport operations to create a dedicated solution tailored specifically for these markets. The new autonomous vehicle will be based on Geely Farizon’s production-ready GXR platform and is expected to be mass-produced for commercial deployment.
Under the collaboration, Hong Kong will serve as the launch market for the right-hand-drive Robotaxi service, providing a foundation for future expansion into other right-hand-drive regions around the world. The initiative is expected to accelerate the adoption of autonomous mobility solutions while supporting the commercialisation of self-driving transportation services in urban environments.
By leveraging their respective strengths, WeRide, Geely Farizon and Kwoon Chung aim to establish a scalable Robotaxi ecosystem that combines advanced autonomous technology with practical operational experience, paving the way for broader deployment of intelligent transportation solutions across global right-hand-drive markets.
“Globalization has always been central to WeRide’s strategy with our autonomous vehicles having been deployed in over 40 cities across 12 countries. We are proud to partner with Geely Farizon and Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings Limited on this collaboration. It represents an important breakthrough for autonomous driving in dense, complex urban environments worldwide and will help unlock broader opportunities in global right-hand-drive markets,” said Dr. Tony Han, Founder and CEO of WeRide.
Mike Fan, CEO of Geely Farizon New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group, added, “The development of this new model reflects our deep exploration of the future of urban mobility. This collaboration establishes a complete, end-to-end commercial ecosystem spanning technology development, vehicle manufacturing, and operational deployment. We believe that, with Hong Kong as a strategic gateway, the ‘Hong Kong pathway’ will set a benchmark for smart transportation upgrades in right-hand-drive markets globally.”
Matthew Wong, Chairman of Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings, said, “Kwoon Chung has witnessed and contributed to the evolution of transportation in Hong Kong. Faced with soaring oil prices and a shortage of bus drivers, we have proactively embraced intelligent and eco-friendly technologies to transform the industry. Through close collaboration, we aim to deliver a safe, efficient, and sustainable public mobility experience, further strengthening Hong Kong’s position as a global smart city.”
The new Robotaxi model is purpose-built for right-hand-drive markets, with its design tailored to local regulations, road conditions, and operational requirements. It seamlessly integrates perception, decision-making, control, and human-machine interaction to ensure a safe and smooth experience for riders.
Hong Kong is among the first deployment markets for the new right-hand-drive Robotaxi, and is supported by its highly international transport environment and robust regulatory framework. Together, the three companies will accelerate product validation, testing, and initial commercial operations, developing a scalable and replicable model globally. The commercial launch of right-hand-drive Robotaxi in Hong Kong aligns with China’s 15th Five-Year Plan (2026–2030) priorities of growing intelligent connected new energy vehicles and piloting new tech. It is expected to serve as a model for Chinese autonomous driving and intelligent connected vehicle to enter other key right-hand-drive markets including Singapore, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia, leveraging proven local experience to support broader global expansion.
The rollout of the right-hand-drive Robotaxi will allow WeRide to establish dual capabilities across both right- and left-hand-drive Robotaxi production and operations, enabling a comprehensive product portfolio tailored to diverse global traffic systems, to enhance adaptability and scalability, while accelerating the commercialization of autonomous driving worldwide.
This collaboration builds on WeRide and Geely Farizon’s strong partnership in mass-produced Robotaxis and commercial deployment. In October 2024, the two companies jointly launched the next-generation, mass-produced Robotaxi GXR based on the Farizon SV. Within just four months, it achieved fully driverless commercial operations in Beijing, followed by Guangzhou in August 2025. In March this year, the two companies signed an upgraded agreement to introduce a newly enhanced version of the purpose-built, mass-produced Robotaxi GXR.
Founded in 2017, WeRide has consistently led Robotaxi technology development and commercialization, with operations established across key global markets including Guangzhou, Beijing, Singapore, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Riyadh, and Zurich. The Robotaxi GXR has now achieved fully driverless commercial operations in four cities: Guangzhou, Beijing, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai.
The development of right-hand-drive Robotaxis will accelerate WeRide’s global Robotaxi expansion, with plans to expand its fleet to 2,600 vehicles by end-2026 and scale to tens of thousands by 2030.
