China-based autonomous driving technology companies Pony AI and WeRide are intensifying their competition as they both enter the Singapore market.
Pony AI partnered with local transportation service provider ComfortDelGro to roll out its robotaxi in the Punggol area, pending regulatory approval.
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The alliance with ComfortDelGro began through a memorandum of understanding in July 2024, focusing on the large-scale commercial use of autonomous vehicles (AVs).
It claims to have seen success with a pilot programme in Guangzhou, China, which commenced in March this year, setting the stage for the Singapore initiative.
In June, Singapore’s Ministry of Transport announced its intention to integrate AVs into the public housing estates’ transport system by year-end, aiming to alleviate driver shortages and improve the connectivity of the public transport network.
Pony AI CEO and founder James Peng said: “We are thrilled to introduce Pony.ai’s advanced autonomous driving technology to Singapore. By delivering safe, comfortable, and efficient autonomous mobility services, we are committed to enhancing local residents’ daily commutes and advancing the nation’s smart mobility vision.”
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By GlobalDataMeanwhile, WeRide, with Southeast Asia’s super app Grab, is set to launch “Autonomously Intelligent Ride(Ai.R)”, also in Punggol.
Grab’s upcoming Ai.R service has been selected by the Land Transport Authority to operate the country’s inaugural autonomous shuttle service in a residential neighbourhood.
Ai.R will begin operations with an 11-vehicle fleet traversing two designated routes in Punggol.
The service will include two WeRide vehicle models, the GXR and Robobus, both of which have cleared Singapore’s assessment, confirming the vehicles’ capability to autonomously navigate public roads safely and in compliance with local traffic regulations.
Grab said that, commencing this month, the Ai.R fleet will initiate a route familiarisation period in the district, which will include an onboard safety operator for added security.
It is anticipated that Ai.R will begin transporting its inaugural cohort of passengers by the early part of 2026.
Last month, Grab announced a strategic equity investment in WeRide to expedite the rollout of Level 4 robotaxis and shuttles across the Southeast Asian region.
