WeRide Secures Dual Licenses for Autonomous Sanitation Vehicles in Singapore

November 14, 2024 – WeRide (Nasdaq: WRD), a global leader in autonomous driving technology, announced that its Autonomous Sanitation Vehicle S6 and Self-Driving Sweeper S1 have received M1 and T1 licenses from the Land Transport Authority (LTA) of Singapore. These approvals allow both vehicles to begin trial operations on public roads and pathways in Singapore.

Rigorous Testing Leads to Key Certifications

The M1 and T1 licenses are essential safety and reliability certifications for autonomous vehicles in Singapore. The T1 license focuses on public pathway testing, evaluating a vehicle’s ability to handle complex scenarios with precision and stability. The S1 Sweeper successfully passed these tests, demonstrating its reliability and efficiency in public pathway operations.

The M1 license, on the other hand, evaluates broader capabilities, including basic autonomous driving functions, obstacle detection and avoidance, and overall vehicle safety. The S6 Sanitation Vehicle excelled in tests simulating Singapore's urban road environment, completing tasks such as sharp turns, lane-keeping, and responding to dynamic traffic conditions.

Fast Progress, Strong Market Potential

WeRide delivered its first batch of sanitation vehicles to Singapore in June 2024. In just four months, the company secured both licenses, showcasing its adaptability to global markets. According to local media, such as The Straits Times, LTA prioritizes autonomous technologies for fixed routes and low-speed operations due to their lower risks. These technologies also help address labor shortages in Singapore’s sanitation industry.

Policy Support Boosts Smart City Development

At the SITCE 2024 conference, Singapore's Minister for Transport, Chee Hong Tat, highlighted efforts to refine the evaluation framework for autonomous vehicles to accelerate their adoption.

WeRide’s Founder and CEO, Tony Han, also spoke at the event, emphasizing the company’s commitment to working closely with local partners. He stated that WeRide aims to expand the commercial deployment of its autonomous sanitation vehicles and support Singapore’s vision of building a smarter, greener city.

By earning these dual certifications, WeRide strengthens its global leadership in autonomous driving and demonstrates the real-world potential of its technologies.

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