California allows Chinese robotaxi firm WeRide to test with passengers

China-based autonomous driving startup WeRide has received approval from California to test its driverless vehicles with passengers, according to a permit from the state’s utility regulator.

The move comes as the company seeks a valuation of as much as $5 billion from its New York IPO even as the U.S. is set to ban vehicles with China-developed systems, according to people briefed on the matter.