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  • Two Chinese Companies Debut Cutting-Edge Autonomous Shuttle Services in Singapore

    Two Chinese Companies Debut Cutting-Edge Autonomous Shuttle Services in Singapore

    In a significant move toward the embrace of autonomous mobility, two Chinese robotaxi companies are set to collaborate with local providers to launch shuttle services in Singapore, marking a new chapter in the city-state’s transportation landscape.

    Ride-hailing giant Grab has partnered with China’s WeRide, aiming to roll out services by early 2026. Meanwhile, Pony.ai is joining forces with Singapore’s ComfortDelGro, planning similar initiatives. The rapid developments signify Singapore’s ambition to become a focal point for autonomous driving technologies.

    Grab confirmed that it has received approval from local authorities to run two autonomous shuttle routes in the Punggol area. Passengers can expect to board WeRide’s five- and eight-seater vehicles following a thorough testing phase designed to fine-tune the service routes.

    WeRide recently secured a permit from the Shanghai municipal government, enhancing its credentials as it prepares to offer autonomous robotaxi services.

    On the other hand, Pony.ai announced its intention to offer services in Punggol with ComfortDelGro, with an ambitious plan to expand to nearby communities as soon as they clear regulatory hurdles. Singapore’s Land Transport Authority has outlined that Pony.ai and ComfortDelGro will service a 12-km (7.5-mile) route in Punggol, capturing the community’s attention with their innovative approach to transport.

    The Land Transport Authority has also recognized the robust capabilities of both WeRide and Pony.ai, noting their successful deployment of automated vehicles in various global markets.

    Currently, Pony.ai operates commercial robotaxis in four of China’s leading cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. The company, which has secured backing from Toyota Motor, is also looking to extend its driverless operations to South Korea and parts of Europe, fueled by a $260 million rise in funding following its Nasdaq listing last November. By year-end, Pony.ai aims to elevate its robotaxi fleet to 1,000 vehicles—talk about a drive for growth!

    The Singapore government, actively exploring autonomous technologies, is taking decisive steps in this direction, with Transport Minister Jeffrey Siow visiting Chinese autonomous driving firms in June to gather insights and bolster collaboration.

    Questions & Answers

    What companies are launching autonomous shuttle services in Singapore?
    Grab has partnered with WeRide, while Pony.ai is collaborating with ComfortDelGro to offer similar autonomous shuttle services.

    When will these services begin operations?
    Grab and WeRide plan to start their shuttle services in early 2026, whereas Pony.ai and ComfortDelGro are looking to commence within the coming months, subject to regulatory approval.

    What is the scope of Pony.ai’s operations?
    Pony.ai currently operates commercial robotaxis in major cities across China and is expanding its services globally, highlighting its ambition to grow its fleet significantly by the end of this year.

  • Nissan to start robotaxi tests in China’s Suzhou in March

    Nissan to start robotaxi tests in China’s Suzhou in March

    Nissan (China) Investment Co., Ltd. (NCIC) today announced the establishment of Nissan Mobility Service Co., Ltd., a dedicated mobility service company, as part of its efforts to continue transforming its business in China. The announcement was made at the 5th China International Import Export (CIIE) show which opened on Nov. 5th here.

    The new company, headquartered in Suzhou, will be committed to investing in mobility services and deploying robotaxi services. By working with the Suzhou High-Speed Rail New Town, it will support intelligent transport initiatives in the country.

    “Introducing future technology, mobility solutions and products that enrich the lives of customers in China are an important part of Nissan’s long-term strategy in China,” said Shohei Yamazaki, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. senior vice president and NCIC chairman. “The new company represents another milestone of Nissan’s nearly 50 years of development in China and a new commitment to the market.”

    “Leveraging our mobility services experience and expertise from the Japan market, we are transforming our business in China by tapping into the future mobility service sector,” said Hideki Kimata, president of NCIC. “Through the new company, we are aiming to provide all-new riding experiences with easier, more convenient mobility services for more consumers in China.”

    Nissan has a strong foundation in electrification for mobility services, a cornerstone of the company’s long-term strategy in China. Nissan is among the first international OEMs to establish a dedicated robotaxi company in China.

    “Suzhou High-speed Railway/Xiangcheng District was chosen for Nissan Mobility Service due to its strong support for business development, availability of collaborative opportunities, and its proximity to our existing Alliance joint innovation hub in Shanghai,” said Kimata.

    Zhiyao Liang, a senior official from Xiangcheng District, Suzhou City said: ”As one of the first global automakers that entered the Chinese market, Nissan has witnessed and participated in the growth and development of China’s auto industry. It has continuously introduced advanced technologies and products to actively contribute to market development since 1973. As an industry-leading company in the field of electrification, autonomous driving, connectivity and shared mobility services with rich technological expertise and powerful corporate presence, Nissan once again showcases exciting new products that will shape new trends for the industry.”

    WeRide, a leading, global autonomous and mobility service company that develops Level 4 autonomous driving technologies and that has a successful mobility service history in Guangzhou, will provide technology support to the Suzhou project.

    Li Zhang, COO of WeRide said: “WeRide will extensively participate and fully support the R&D, test and operation of Nissan Mobility Service’s robotaxi fleet, particularly in autonomous driving technologies. WeRide always puts safety as our top priority, and will work with Nissan to provide safer, more efficient and comfortable autonomous driving mobility experiences to Suzhou residents and improve quality of life with innovative technologies.”

    The 5th CIIE will be convened from November 5 to 10 at the National Convention & Exhibition Center, Shanghai, with Nissan’s booth at Hall 2.1. Nissan will fully demonstrate its latest achievements and practices in sustainability and showcase its innovation aimed to deliver diversified mobility solutions for customers in China seeking sustainable transportation options.

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  • Self Driving Startup Momenta Raises $500 Million

    Self Driving Startup Momenta Raises $500 Million

    Chinese self-driving startup Momenta has raised $500 million in a Series C funding. This round of funding comes after GM invested $300 million in the startup. This means now Momenta is valued at over $ billion.

    Momenta’s product portfolio includes advanced driver assistance systems which it sells to OEMs like GM and another tier 1 suppliers like Bosch. It also does R&D on unmanned level 4 ADAS systems. It has a high-profile constellation of investors including China’s SAIC group, GM, Toyota, Mercedes Benz and Bosch. It also has Temasek which is Singapore’s sovereign fund and Jack Ma’s Yunfeng Capital onboard as institutional investors.

    Momenta’s main point of differentiation is its relationship with automotive OEMs as many of the top ones are its investors as well. Many of its peers have taken a different path as they have developed in-house robotaxi fleets which is a more capital-intensive operation. It harvests data from its customers who are mass-producing vehicles.

    In China, it has Pony.AI and WeRide as its main rivals, and while they have raised a lot of money Momenta’s fundamentals are stronger because of its frugal operations.

    For GM, Momenta deploys a solution that is a mixture of consumer-grade millimeter-wave radars and high definition cameras which will be used in the automaker’s cars sold in China. Momenta also opened an office recently in Stuttgart in Germany probably because of its relationship with Mercedes Benz which is also based out of the same city.