GUANGZHOU, China — September 17, 2025 — French Ambassador to China, Mr. Bertrand Lortholary, led a delegation to visit WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD), a global leader in autonomous driving technology, earlier this week, to learn more about the company's operations and future plans in France.
The delegation included Mr. Christian Gianella, Minister Counsellor for Economic Affairs at the French Embassy, and Mr. Laurent Legodec, Consul General of France in Guangzhou. They were welcomed by WeRide's Founder and CEO Dr. Tony Han and other company representatives.
Group photo at WeRide's Guangzhou office. Sixth from right: Mr. Bertrand Lortholary, French Ambassador to China; fifth from right: Mr. Christian Gianella, Minister Counsellor for Economic Affairs at the French Embassy in Beijing; fourth from right: Mr. Laurent Legodec, Consul General of France in Guangzhou; sixth from left: Dr. Tony Han, Founder and CEO of WeRide.
During the visit, the delegation experienced WeRide's autonomous Robotaxi and Robobus, observing their smooth performance and safety despite rainy conditions.
Ambassador Lortholary experiences WeRide's Robobus
A roundtable discussion followed, where WeRide presented its company journey, flagship products, and international deployments, with particular attention to its operations in France and wider European expansion.
Recent milestones include:
- 2024–2025: Providing an exclusive Level 4 (L4) autonomous Robobus shuttle service at Roland Garros, Paris, for two consecutive years.
- 27 March 2025: Receiving France's L4 driverless public road testing and operating permit for its Robobus, in partnership with French autonomous mobility operator beti.
- 27 February 2025: Launching Europe's first fully driverless commercial deployment of its Robobus in Drôme, France, with beti, Renault Group, and Macif.
Currently, WeRide is partnering with Renault Group to launch a new mass-produced autonomous Robobus by 2030, meeting Europe's growing demand for green public transport.
WeRide's Robobus providing nighttime shuttle service at Roland Garros
Ambassador Lortholary and delegation at the roundtable discussion
Dr. Tony Han introducing WeRide's global deployments at the roundtable
The visit concluded with Dr. Han presenting Ambassador Lortholary a model of WeRide's Robobus as a token of appreciation.
Dr. Tony Han presents a WeRide Robobus model to Ambassador Lortholary
Looking ahead, WeRide intends to continue developing its activities in France, strengthen local partnerships, and contribute autonomous driving solutions that support safer and more sustainable mobility in Europe.
About WeRide
WeRide is a global leader and a first mover in the autonomous driving industry, as well as the first publicly traded Robotaxi company. Our autonomous vehicles have been tested or operated in over 30 cities across 11 countries. We are also the first and only technology company whose products have received autonomous driving permits in six markets: China, Singapore, France, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the US. Empowered by the smart, versatile, cost-effective, and highly adaptable WeRide One platform, WeRide provides autonomous driving products and services from L2 to L4, addressing transportation needs in the mobility, logistics, and sanitation industries. WeRide was named in Fortune Magazine’s 2024 “The Future 50” list.
Media Contact
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