Madrid Announces Launch of Europe’s First Commercial Robotaxi Service
Spain’s capital, Madrid, is taking a pivotal step forward in smart transportation. Autonomous driving tech company WeRide, ride-hailing platform Uber, and local operator Avomo jointly announced this Tuesday their partnership to launch the city’s first commercial robotaxi pilot project. The service, scheduled to go live by the end of 2026, represents the first joint deployment for WeRide and Uber in the European market.
Three-Way Collaboration and Phased Deployment
The project has received strong support from the Government of the Community of Madrid. The operational model involves a clear division of labor among the three companies:
- For Users: Citizens and tourists will be able to hail a self-driving vehicle directly through the Uber app.
- The Technology: China’s WeRide will provide its core “WeRide One” autonomous driving platform and “WeRide Genesis” simulation system to ensure safety and reliability.
- The Operator: Fleet management, maintenance, and dispatch will be fully handled by Avomo, a subsidiary of the Moove Cars Group.
The project will be deployed progressively. During the initial trial phase, each Robotaxi will have a safety driver on board to handle unexpected situations. The long-term goal for all parties is to achieve fully autonomous driving without a safety driver as technology and regulations mature, ultimately deploying hundreds of self-driving taxis in Madrid’s core urban area.
Europe’s First Stop in a Global Strategy
Madrid is a key part of WeRide and Uber’s global expansion roadmap and their first strategic entry into the European market. The two companies have already successfully launched commercial operations in Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the Middle East, with Riyadh set as their next target. According to their long-term strategic plan, they aim to deploy tens of thousands of self-driving taxis in 15 major cities worldwide by 2030.
The choice of Madrid as the European debut location was based on a comprehensive assessment of the city’s characteristics. The partners believe that Madrid’s significant urban transport demand, high population density, and a regulatory environment open to technological innovation make it an ideal ground for the project. This collaboration will align Spain’s smart mobility capabilities with the global technological frontier.
Localized Operations and Future Outlook
For local operator Moove Cars Group, this partnership is a significant milestone in its business development. Group CEO Manuel Puga stated that his company has already gained valuable experience from a successful two-year collaboration with Uber in Atlanta and Austin in the US. Returning to its home market in Madrid will be a powerful driver for establishing a new mobility ecosystem that is safe, efficient, and capable of international expansion.
