Grab Invests in WeRide, Launches Autonomous Vehicle Partnership for Southeast Asia

• Grab will make a strategic equity investment in WeRide to support the rollout of Robotaxis and autonomous shuttles.
• The companies will integrate WeRide’s AV technology into Grab’s platform and upskill drivers for AV-related roles.

Grab is investing in WeRide to bring autonomous vehicles to Southeast Asia. The deal includes plans to deploy Level 4 Robotaxis and autonomous shuttles through Grab’s platform, with the investment expected to close by mid-2026.

“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, in an offical press release.

Grab operates a regional superapp across eight Southeast Asian countries, offering ride-hailing, deliveries, and digital payments. The partnership aims to scale autonomous vehicle deployment through deep integration with Grab’s fleet systems. This includes co-developing tools for dispatch and routing, maintenance routines, and vehicle uptime. Safety is a priority. WeRide will train its AVs to handle local traffic conditions and reduce human error, while also setting up remote monitoring and emergency support protocols.

The partnership also focuses on support and training. The companies will set up systems to quickly handle service issues and help Grab’s drivers prepare for new roles in autonomous transport. This expands on a March 2025 agreement to explore how AVs could work at scale in the region, and what kinds of jobs they could create.

🌀 Tom’s Take:

Grab’s investment is a bet on the future of mobility, one where AVs become a core service in its superapp. Taking a stake in WeRide lets it commit to a full-stack solution that works not just technically, but also accounts for the human impact of moving from drivers to self-driving services.

Source: GlobeNewswire / WeRide