HONG KONG, June 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Geely Farizon New Energy Commercial Vehicle Group (Geely Farizon), China's top new energy commercial vehicle brand, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with WeRide, a global leader in autonomous driving technology, and Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings Limited, a leading public transport operator in Hong Kong at the 2026 International Automotive & Supply Chain Expo (Hong Kong)
This collaboration will see to the joint development of a mass-produced Robotaxi designed for right-hand-drive markets based on the existing factory-built GXR platform by leveraging their respective strengths in new energy vehicle manufacturing, autonomous driving innovation, and public transport operations. With this development, Hong Kong will be the first to deploy commercial right-hand-drive Robotaxi services, marking the Robotaxi industry's shift to true global adaptability, bringing transformative autonomous mobility solutions to right-hand-drive markets worldwide.
Kwoon Chung Smart Mobility, a subsidiary of Kwoon Chung Bus Holdings, previously deployed left-hand-drive Robotaxi GXR units in Hong Kong and secured a pilot autonomous driving licence, with on-road trials already underway on public roads across the city. Building on this foundation, the three-party alliance will further advance product development, road validation and operational trials tailored for right-hand-drive markets.
As there are currently no right-hand-drive Robotaxis available in the market, the new model pioneers the industry's first ground-up design dedicated to right-hand-drive operating standards. Going beyond a simple adaptation of a left-hand-drive Robotaxi GXR, it taps into the Robotaxi GXR's validated mass-production capabilities to undergo full original development spanning vehicle layout, autonomous driving software and HMI design, fully adapted to regional traffic rules, road conditions and operational requirements for right-hand-drive territories. Enhanced core performance in perception, judgment and chassis control ensures riders enjoy safe, smooth and instinctive autonomous mobility.
Hong Kong is among the first deployment markets for the new right-hand-drive Robotaxi, and is supported by its highly international transport environment and robust regulatory framework. Together, the three companies will accelerate product validation, testing, and initial commercial operations, developing a scalable and replicable model. This model will be rolled out across other key right-hand-drive markets globally including Singapore, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia, leveraging proven local experience to support broader global expansion.
This collaboration builds on Geely Farizon and WeRide 's strong partnership in mass-produced Robotaxis and commercial deployment. In October 2024, the both parties launched the Robotaxi GXR based on Geely Farizon's SV platform, which entered fully driverless commercial operations in Beijing within four months, followed by Guangzhou in August 2025. In March this year, Geely Farizon and WeRide signed an in-depth cooperation deal to unveil a newly upgraded mass-produced pre-installed Robotaxi GXR.
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Geely Farizon, WeRide and Kwoon Chung Launch Right-Hand-Drive Robotaxis at 2026 International Automotive & Supply Chain Expo (Hong Kong), Accelerating Global Expansion
SHENZHEN, China, June 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- While the global watch market continues to segment, an increasing number of independent watch brands, e-commerce brands, and private label companies are entering the market, driving the growth in demand for customized watches. In this trend, the importance of professional manufacturing partners is becoming prominent. As an OEM/ODM watch manufacturer, VDEAR is relying on its comprehensive one-stop customization service system to provide global clients with end-to-end solutions from design to delivery, helping more brands rapidly bring ideas to market.
The Rise of Global Watch Micro-brands Driving OEM Demand
In the past two years, the trend in the global watch industry is that independent watchmakers and micro-brands are gaining more and more attention from collectors and young consumers.
The global watch market was valued at approximately $69.1 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $96.8 billion by 2033, which reflects continued demand for both established brands and emerging independent watch brands, according to Grand View Research.
Compared with traditional famous brands that invest heavily in R&D and production, emerging independent micro-brands tend to complete product development and manufacturing through custom watch makers so as to lower the entry barrier and speed up the product launch.
At the same time, consumers are more preferring the personalized design, brand story, and differentiated products of watch brands to traditional Swiss luxury brands. This significant growth of niche brands is expected to continue in 2026, prompting more and more brands to seek customized watch solutions.
It is generally believed within the industry that professional manufacturing capabilities are gradually becoming a crucial component of watch brand competitiveness, and Chinese watch manufacturing industry, with its well-developed supply chain and continuously improved manufacturing levels, is playing a more important role in the global market.
Supporting Products from Concept to Launch with Customized Solutions
As a professional watch company, VDEAR focuses on providing OEM and ODM services to global clients, covering multiple aspects such as product design, structural development, sample making, production and manufacturing, quality inspection, packaging design and brand customization.
To meet the diverse requirements, VDEAR customizes and develops products based on client's original designs, and also provide ODM solutions based on their mature product system -- over 20 watch box styles and 300 watch designs, covering promotional, high-end, and luxury collections -- helping clients shorten development cycles and reduce costs by balancing the design and budget.
In terms of product customization, VDEAR supports personalized design of core components, such as the watch case, dial, crown, strap, buckle, and packaging, to create custom made watches with logos. Whether for corporate gift, fashion brand collaborations, or independent brand collections, VDEAR can achieve the entire process from creative concept to final product delivery.
Empowering Brands and Sharing Industry Development Opportunities
In the past, Chinese watch industry mainly played a manufacturing role in the global supply chain. With step-by-step improvements in technology, quality, and product development capabilities, Chinese watch factories are gradually transforming from simple custom watch manufacturers to solution providers.
As one of the experienced watch manufacturing companies, VDEAR emphasizes on investment in production equipment, process optimization, and quality management system development. This company owns a cleanroom of over 1,000 square meters and has established a complete production system which ensures the stability and consistency of product quality. Furthermore, it can help clients complete product verification before mass production with its rapid prototyping and mold development capabilities, thus improving new product development efficiency.
To date, VDEAR has cooperated with over 2,000 global brands."In the future, VDEAR will continue to increase its investment in R&D and service system construction, and strengthen its OEM/ODM manufacturing capabilities to provide global customers with more efficient, reliable and flexible watch customization solutions," said Mr. Li, the founder of VDEAR.
"Especially in the global watch market of brand, personalization and customization, professional watch suppliers with product development and supply chain integration capabilities will play an increasingly important role in the global watch industry. Chinese watch manufacturers are also expected to gain more development opportunities in the global market by using their excellent technologies and service."
About VDEAR
VDEAR is a professional watch manufacturer from Shenzhen, China, with a specialty in watch OEM/ODM customization services. With over 18 years of industry experience, its services cover the product design, sample production, manufacturing, quality inspection, packaging design, and brand customization. Through the complete system of supply chain and the professional R&D team, VDEAR is dedicated to provide high-quality watch customization services to clients around the world, enabling them to bring concepts to products.
Media Contact:
Shenzhen Vdear Technology Co., Limited
424 Yifang Tiandi Industrial Park, Ban An street, Shenzhen, Guangdong, China
Email: info@vdearwatch.com
Tel: +86 13048872529
www.vdearwatch.com
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VDEAR Supports the Growth of Global Watch Micro-brands Through End-to-End OEM/ODM Manufacturing
