Nissan-backed Chinese startup WeRide develops self-driving vans
09/09/2021 07:30
BEIJING, Sept 9 (Reuters) - WeRide, a China-based autonomous
driving startup, said on Thursday that it would start developing
self-driving vans for urban logistics service, with automaker
JMC 000550.SZ and delivery firm ZTO Express 2057.HK .
The Guangzhou-based startup, led by founder Tony Han, is
pursuing what is known in the auto industry as a level 4
autonomous standard, in which the vehicle can handle all aspects
of driving in most circumstances with no human intervention.
WeRide is currently testing autonomous passenger cars and
mini-buses.
Backed by Nissan Motor 7201.T , WeRide said in a statement
that it would jointly develop self-driving vans with JMC, in
which Ford Motor F.N has a stake, and ZTO. A pilot test will
take place near the airport in Guangzhou city.
Automakers and technology firms are investing billions of
dollars in autonomous driving, aiming to take an early lead in
what many consider the future of mobility.
(Reporting by Yilei Sun and Brenda Goh; Editing by Ana Nicolaci
da Costa)
((Y.Sun@thomsonreuters.com; +86 10 66271262; Reuters Messaging:
y.sun.thomsonreuters.com@reuters.net))