California Permit to Test Driverless Vehicles with Passengers

Chinese autonomous driving startup WeRide aims for a $5 billion IPO while navigating regulatory and public acceptance challenges in the U.S.

WeRide received a three-year permit from the California Public Utilities Commission to test driverless vehicles with passengers in San Jose and nearby areas.
The company is not allowed to offer rides to the general public or charge fares during the testing phase.
WeRide plans to raise up to $119.4 million through a U.S. initial public offering (IPO).
The approval comes as the U.S. considers banning Chinese connected vehicles due to national security concerns.
WeRide joins a competitive landscape alongside companies like Waymo, which faces its own public acceptance issues.