Autonomous driving software group Wayve is pushing ahead with what its CEO called a “year of global expansion” as it sets up shop in Germany. 

Wayve, one of the UK’s largest AI companies with a valuation of $3bn, is launching an on-road testing and development hub in Stuttgart, securing a base in one of the world’s largest car-making economies.  

The company said the diverse demands of the German driving environment – from high-speed autobahns to heavy snow in the winters – provides an ideal setting to improve its AI driving technology. 

The new facility will focus on testing and enhancing Wayve’s Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS), used for lane changing and other sophisticated maneuverers. The site will also give the company access to a pool of local engineering talent. 

“2025 is a year of global expansion for Wayve, and we are incredibly excited to establish operations in Germany,” said Alex Kendall, co-founder and CEO of Wayve. 

“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.”  

Kendall said the company will be partnering with German manufacturers and suppliers to support the rollout of driverless AI vehicles. 

Wayve’s entry in the German state of Baden-Württemberg has been welcomed by the local government. 

“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,” said Dr Patrick Rapp, state secretary at the state’s Ministry of Economic Affairs, Labour and Tourism. 

“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.” 

The state is one of great significance to the auto industry, being home to both Porsche and Mercedes-Benz.

Last year Wayve secured a $1.05bn Series C investment and has since been keen on expanding its international footprint. 

The company has launched testing programmes in the UK and the US and hopes the Germany launch will add to its momentum. 

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