WeRide Inc. (NASDAQ: WRD) saw its stock surge 5.99% in after-hours trading on Monday, following the announcement of an expanded strategic partnership with Uber Technologies Inc. The collaboration aims to bring autonomous vehicles to 15 additional cities globally over the next five years, including locations in Europe.

The partnership expansion marks a significant milestone for WeRide, a leading autonomous mobility technology provider. Under the new agreement, the companies plan to increase the number of WeRide's Robotaxis on the Uber platform to 50 by mid-2025. This move represents Uber's first foray into offering autonomous vehicles outside the United States, highlighting the growing global interest in self-driving technology.

WeRide has been making steady progress in the autonomous vehicle space, having previously partnered with Dubai's Road and Transport Authority and launched a strategic Robotaxi pilot project in Switzerland earlier this year. The company's latest collaboration with Uber further cements its position as a key player in the rapidly evolving autonomous mobility sector, potentially opening up new revenue streams and market opportunities.

Investors appear to be responding positively to WeRide's expanding global footprint and the potential for accelerated growth in the autonomous vehicle market. As cities worldwide look to integrate self-driving technologies into their transportation systems, WeRide's partnerships and technological capabilities position it well to capitalize on this trend.