ComfortDelGro deploys commercial robotaxis in Guangzhou

Photo credit: ComfortDelGro

ComfortDelGro has commenced operations for its first robotaxi program in Guangzhou, China, in partnership with Nasdaq-listed autonomous vehicle (AV) company Pony AI.

The two-year pilot deploys commercial robotaxi services in the southern Chinese city and marks a “significant step” in the commercial deployment of such services for both companies, the transport operating firm said.

It will enable ComfortDelGro to develop and refine its capabilities for AV technology operations and fleet management toward the goal of large-scale deployment across China and other international markets.

The pilot program is part of ComfortDelGro’s broader strategy to explore autonomous transport solutions. In 2022, the company said it would pour S$30 million (US$22.5 million) of investment into the research and development of autonomous driving capabilities over the next five years.

Through its roughly US$75 million VC fund, the firm also established the Autonomous Vehicles Center of Excellence R&D unit to develop capabilities in AV operations and fleet management.

The robotaxi program follows a memorandum of understanding (MOU) that ComfortDelGro and Pony AI inked in July 2024. The MOU covers the large-scale commercialization of robotaxi operations in China as well as subsequent global deployments.

ComfortDelGro group CEO Cheng Siak Kian highlighted that the development of AV technology is “crucial” for future-proofing the transport industry, especially as driver shortages remain a global problem.

He added that the company is exploring solutions to help keep transport accessible. “Autonomous technology can complement the human driver workforce by increasing ride availability during off peak hours and in underserved areas,” he pointed out.

Founded in late 2016 in Silicon Valley but headquartered in Guangzhou, Pony AI develops artificial intelligence and autonomous driving transport technology solutions.

It operates self-driving fleets in the US and China, including Beijing and Shanghai, and it is backed by Toyota Motor and Saudi Arabia’s Neom.

As of 11:51 a.m. on Monday, ComfortDelGro shares were trading 0.7% lower at US$0.11.

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Currency converted from Singapore dollar to US dollar: US$1 = S$1.33.