Grab inks 4 MOUs to explore autonomous vehicle tech

Group CEO Anthony Tan noted the rapid advancement of AV tech.

Grab has signed memorandum of understandings (MOU) with four autonomous technology companies to explore the impact and potential role of autonomous vehicles (AVs) in Southeast Asia.

The autonomous technologies are Autonomous A2Z, Motional, WeRide, and Zelos.

Grab co-founder and group CEO Anthony Tan noted the rapid advancement of AV technology. Meanwhile, its impact on the region’s transportation landscape remains “largely unexplored,” he said.

“We aim to gain a deeper understanding of how autonomous vehicles can enhance our transportation ecosystem while maintaining the essential role of our drivers and delivery-partners,” Tan said.

The studies’ key focus will include: safety and accident reduction, job creation and workforce transition, and commercial sustainability.

The latter will include assessing the operation conditions of AV services, and analyse their cost structure for long-term viability.