China’s Pony AI, WeRide Take Robotaxi Rivalry to Singapore

Chinese robotaxi companies WeRide Inc. and Pony AI Inc. are expanding their operations to Singapore, one of the world's best-mapped cities, as they compete to offer driverless ride-hailing services in Southeast Asia. WeRide has partnered with local transportation company ComfortDelGro, while Pony AI has teamed up with the Singapore university NTU. Both companies aim to launch their robotaxi services in the city-state, taking advantage of its highly developed infrastructure and favorable regulations for autonomous vehicle testing. The move marks the latest effort by Chinese robotaxi firms to establish a presence in overseas markets, as they face increasing competition at home. Singapore's strategic location and technological capabilities make it an attractive entry point for these companies to expand their footprint in the Southeast Asian region. The partnership agreements with local players highlight the importance of building regional alliances to navigate the complexities of deploying autonomous vehicles in different markets.