WeRide Secures Belgium's First Level 4 Autonomous Shuttle Test Permit for Public Trials

WeRide Inc. has seen its stock rise by over 10% following the announcement that its Robobus has received Belgium's first federal test permit for a Level 4 autonomous shuttle, allowing testing on public roads in Leuven. This permit, signed by Belgium's Minister of Mobility, enables WeRide to conduct real-world testing along an 8km route, with plans for a pilot shuttle service operated by local partners from mid-November through January 2026, marking Belgium's first commercial deployment of autonomous vehicles in mixed traffic. The approval adds to WeRide's autonomous driving permits in six other countries, making it the only company with such licenses in seven nations, including China, France, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, and the U.S. Despite strong market enthusiasm and positive momentum, WeRide's financial fundamentals reveal challenges, including a negative return on invested capital and a high price-to-sales ratio, suggesting that current valuations may be based more on future growth expectations than current profitability. The company's collaboration with local transit authorities and commitment to safe, fully driverless operations positions it as a significant player in advancing autonomous vehicle technology in Europe and globally. Investors are advised to watch for continued volume and price trends to confirm the stock's bullish trajectory amid growing interest in autonomous transport solutions.