ComfortDelGro and Hello Robotaxi partner on robotaxi deployment in China, overseas markets
The venture will focus on deploying and managing robotaxi services via ComfortDelGro’s point-to-point operations
[SINGAPORE] Transport company ComfortDelGro announced on Tuesday (Nov 25) that its subsidiary, ComfortDelGro (China), has inked a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Hello Robotaxi, to collaborate on large-scale commercial robotaxi deployment in China and overseas markets.
The venture will focus on deploying and managing Robotaxi services via ComfortDelGro’s point-to-point operations, utilising its deep fleet management experience and physical assets.
These assets include electric vehicle charging stations and energy storage solutions across its global network.
Chinese mobility technology company Hello Robotaxi will contribute its autonomous driving technology, vehicles and data from its user base for “precise user acquisition”, ComfortDelGro said in a statement.
An “intelligent dispatching system” for a hybrid operational model will be established through the partnership to enhance operational efficiency of the transport ecosystem and overall user experience.
The joint venture will also explore complementary new business areas which include car rental, battery swopping, safety officer training, grid management and maintenance.
Cheng Siak Kian, group chief executive of ComfortDelGro, said: “By creating an integrated intelligent shared mobility network blending our taxi business with Robotaxi services, we are building a robust, replicable and forward-looking hybrid operating model that can be scaled across our global network.”
The agreement was signed in Guangzhou, China, at the 15th Singapore-Guangdong Collaboration Council meeting, which was co-chaired by Singapore’s Minister for Health Ong Ye Kung, and Guangdong Governor Meng Fanli.
ComfortDelGro has one of the world’s largest international taxi networks, and has autonomous vehicle pilot programmes in Singapore and Guangzhou.
Founded in September 2016, Hello Robotaxi is backed by Alibaba, Ant Group and CATL. It focuses on L4-level autonomous driving research and development as well as commercial application.
The Shanghai-headquartered transport player unveiled its first mass-produced robotaxi in September. It will begin commercial operations in up to 10 cities, with a road map to scale its fleet to over 10,000 vehicles by 2026.
Shares of ComfortDelGro ended Tuesday unchanged at S$1.44.
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