UK-based autonomous driving company Wayve is expanding into Germany, marking a significant step in its global growth. The company has launched an on-road testing and development hub in Baden-Württemberg and deployed a new fleet of test vehicles.
Why Germany?
Germany offers an ideal environment for refining Wayve’s Embodied AI technology, thanks to its diverse and complex driving conditions from high-speed Autobahns to intricate urban streets and challenging winter roads. This expansion provides Wayve with:
- A prime testing ground to enhance Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) features like lane change assistance.
- Access to top-tier engineering talent, particularly in software development.
- Proximity to major automakers, crucial for potential partnerships and integrations.
Germany is also one of the few European countries with clear legislation supporting autonomous vehicle testing. In 2021, the country passed laws permitting Level 4 autonomous vehicles on designated public roads, making it an attractive destination for companies like Wayve.
Wayve’s unique AI approach
Founded in 2017 by Alex Kendall and Amar Shah, the company focuses on mapless end-to-end AI technology, designed to allow automated vehicles to operate without geofenced limits. As a result of its partnership with Uber, Wayve-powered self-driving cars will be available on the Uber network in multiple markets around the world, bringing Wayve’s leading technology to Uber’s 150 million monthly global users.
Unlike traditional autonomous vehicle (AV) systems, which rely on high-definition maps and complex sensors, Wayve’s AV2.0 technology learns from real-world driving data. This vehicle-agnostic AI can be integrated into any car, allowing automakers to scale ADAS and automation features efficiently.
Currently, the company delivers Level 2 autonomy, meaning its system assists drivers but still requires active human supervision. However, the company is steadily advancing toward higher levels of automation.
Expansion followed by strong funding
Wayve’s entry into Germany follows its $1.05 billion Series C funding round raised last year and extensive testing programs in the UK and US. The company began fleet testing in Germany in February 2025 after securing regulatory approvals.
This expansion also follows Wayve’s Silicon Valley testing launch in October 2024. The company plans to expand its North American presence, with test vehicles set to drive up the West Coast to Vancouver, where it has an R&D office.
Competition in the country
By strengthening its presence in Germany, Wayve is accelerating the adoption of AI-powered mobility, deepening industry collaborations, and positioning itself as a key player in the future of autonomous driving.
Germany is home to several leading autonomous driving companies, driven by its strong automotive heritage and supportive regulations. Volkswagen’s Cariad is developing software for automated driving, while BMW and Mercedes-Benz are advancing Level 3 autonomous features. Aptiv and Bosch are key players in autonomous vehicle systems, and startups like Vay and Fernride focus on remote and autonomous driving solutions
What’s ahead for the company?
Wayve’s shift from developing fully autonomous vehicles to AI-driven driving assistance features aligns with industry trends favoring incremental adoption of autonomy. This approach is expected to generate revenue faster while paving the way for future higher-level automation.
While Europe lags behind the US in autonomous vehicle regulations, Germany stands out as a leader in the region. With its automotive heritage, favourable laws, and engineering expertise, the country provides an ideal foundation for Wayve’s continued growth.
Alex Kendall, Co-Founder and CEO of Wayve, commented: “2025 is a year of global expansion for Wayve, and we are incredibly excited to establish operations in Germany. With its rich automotive heritage and deep engineering expertise, Germany is a perfect place to accelerate the development and deployment of AI-powered driving technology. I look forward to partnering with Germany’s world-leading manufacturers and Tier 1 suppliers to bring safe, scalable, and production-ready AI software to vehicles worldwide.”
Dr Patrick Rapp, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism of the Federal State of Baden-Württemberg says: “The State government very much welcomes the planned settlement of Wayve in Baden-Württemberg. Innovations in the areas of vehicle automation and digitalisation are a key driver of the current structural change in the automotive industry and a basic requirement for maintaining the technological competitiveness of the German automotive industry. Baden-Württemberg laid the foundations early on to specifically promote the future technology of AI. We cover a diverse spectrum from basic research to application-oriented, business-related research. As a leading developer of embodied AI technology, Wayve thus meets a network of strong partners and users in Baden-Württemberg.”
