WeRide 2025 Report: Robotaxi Revenue RMB 150M, The Next Step for Autonomous Driving in Hong Kong

On March 23, WeRide released its unaudited financial report for the fourth quarter and full year of 2025. The results reveal a clear trend: autonomous driving commercialization is moving from "proof of concept" to "scaled realization." Total revenue for 2025 reached RMB 690 million, a record high with 90% year-on-year growth. Q4 revenue hit RMB 314 million, up 123% year-on-year, setting a new single-quarter record. Its core Robotaxi business saw explosive growth, with annual revenue reaching RMB 150 million (up 209.6%) and Q4 revenue surging to RMB 50.6 million (up 66.4%).

For Hong Kong users, WeRide's report is more than financial news; it's a mirror. As Robotaxis become routine in cities like Shenzhen, Guangzhou, and Beijing, and WeRide's global fleet exceeds 1,000 vehicles, the question arises: when will autonomous taxis arrive in Hong Kong? This report offers some insights.

Commercialization Acceleration: A Global Footprint of 1,125 Robotaxis

WeRide's autonomous driving products are currently deployed in 12 countries and over 40 cities, with a Robotaxi fleet of 1,125 vehicles. The company plans to deploy 2,600 Robotaxis globally by the end of 2026 and tens of thousands by 2030. These figures indicate a transition from "R&D" to "scaled operations." Its status as the most widely deployed autonomous driving company globally validates both its technological maturity and commercial capability.

Domestic Robotaxi registered users grew over 900% year-on-year in a single quarter of 2025, signaling surging market demand. This reflects a qualitative shift in user acceptance of autonomous driving. As more people experience driverless taxis and the experience becomes routine rather than novel, autonomous driving commercialization is accelerating.

Financial Health: Strong Reserves of RMB 7.1 Billion

Improved operational efficiency and cost management resulted in a 30% gross margin for the year, with gross profit reaching RMB 210 million (up 86.8%). Net loss narrowed significantly (down 34.2%). The company's strong capital reserves of RMB 7.1 billion provide ample resources for R&D and market expansion while moving toward profitability.

Hong Kong Perspective: The Final Hurdle for Autonomous Driving

WeRide's report raises several key considerations for Hong Kong.

Regulatory Framework: Hong Kong lacks a comprehensive legal framework for autonomous driving. While Baidu Apollo was approved for testing on North Lantau in 2025, it's restricted to specific sections, times, and requires a safety operator. Achieving "all-day, fully unmanned" passenger service like in Guangzhou or Beijing requires significant regulatory updates.

Driving Environment: Hong Kong's narrow streets, interweaving motorcycles, and unpredictable pedestrians present challenges far exceeding those on mainland China's wider roads. Data accumulated in other cities would require significant local adaptation. However, WeRide's technology—proven across 12 countries and 40 cities—has the foundational capability.

Market Structure: Hong Kong's taxi industry operates on a license system where permits are privately owned and leased to drivers. Introducing Robotaxis would require redesigning the operational model, impacting jobs, licensing, and insurance.

Supporting Infrastructure: Robotaxi operations require robust charging networks, maintenance centers, and dispatch platforms. Hong Kong currently has about 16,000 public chargers, but fast chargers for high-frequency commercial use are limited. Government targets for 4,000 fast chargers by 2030 suggest a gap.

Global Insights: Lessons from WeRide's Expansion

WeRide's experience across 12 countries offers valuable lessons. In the UAE, it integrated autonomous vehicles into the public transport system through government partnership. In Singapore, it was the first Chinese company to receive an M1 autonomous driving test permit. These examples show that autonomous driving deployment requires a coordinated approach of technology, policy, and ecosystem.

For Hong Kong, these global experiences are instructive. Hong Kong could draw from Singapore's regulatory approach, the UAE's partnership model, or Guangzhou's pilot programs in specific zones.

Personal Opinion: A Pivotal Moment for Hong Kong

WeRide's report highlights a pivotal moment. As mainland cities embrace Robotaxis and global players scale operations, Hong Kong's role in this race is critical. Its strengths—international connectivity, robust legal framework, and advanced financial services—are balanced against challenges like complex roads, regulatory lag, and land constraints.

Instead of aiming for city-wide deployment, Hong Kong could focus on targeted breakthroughs: scaled demonstration projects in areas like North Lantau, autonomous shuttle services for closed scenarios like the airport or Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge, or R&D support within innovation parks like Science Park or Cyberport.

WeRide's plan to deploy 2,600 Robotaxis by 2026 and tens of thousands by 2030 raises the question of whether Hong Kong will be part of that expansion. The answer depends on coordinated efforts between government, industry, and society. When technology matures, regulations evolve, and markets accept it, the final hurdle for autonomous driving in Hong Kong may be closer than expected. For local users, WeRide's report signals that autonomous driving technology is sufficiently advanced to enter our daily lives. Hong Kong's autonomous taxi may arrive sooner than anticipated.