Singapore's ComfortDelGro Starts Robotaxi Trial in China

On Monday (Mar 17), ComfortDelGro introduced its first robotaxi pilot program in Guangzhou, China. The two-year pilot was launched by the Singapore-based transport operator in collaboration with Pony.ai, a company specializing in autonomous driving technology that has previously established partnerships for autonomous driving in South Korea, Luxembourg, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.

This will allow ComfortDelGro to enhance and improve its skills in AV technology operations and fleet management with the aim of future extensive rollout in China and various other global markets.

The pilot initiative is a component of ComfortDelGro’s larger plan to investigate autonomous transportation options. In 2022, the firm announced plans to invest S$30 million in the research and development of self-driving technology over the upcoming five years.

A "small fleet" of Lexus RX450 vehicles will be utilized initially, with additional vehicle models to be introduced throughout the programme, the Singapore Company informed CNA.

With its S$100 million venture capital fund, it also created the Autonomous Vehicles Centre of Excellence R&D unit to enhance skills in AV operations and fleet management.

The new program is a result of a memorandum of understanding that the two companies signed in July 2024, aimed at the extensive commercialization of robotaxi services in China and the later introduction of these technologies worldwide.