SGL, Cycle & Carriage launch autonomous transport trial
The electric vehicle has received homologation approval and will undergo a supervised road trial for 3-6 months, subject to authority approval.
L to R: Alfredo Chandra, CFO, Cycle and Carriage; Allan Melgaard, Global CEO, Scan Global Logistics; Wilfrid Foo, CEO of Cycle and Carriage Group; Rickard Ingvarsson, CEO Asia Pacific, Scan Global Logistics.
Scan Global Logistics (SGL) and Cycle & Carriage (C&C) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch an autonomous transport solution for commercial cargo in Singapore. The partners are finalising arrangements for a supervised road trial of an electric autonomous vehicle in Q4 2026.
The 100% electric vehicle uses sensors, cameras and software to navigate and operate without a human driver. It has received homologation approval, confirming that it meets the relevant technical, safety, environmental and regulatory requirements. The proposed routes and supporting documents are under final review by the authorities.
C&C already supports SGL’s last-mile distribution to retail stores in Singapore with electric vans. Since 2024, the companies have explored how autonomous technology could complement SGL’s existing logistics operations.
The next step is a supervised road trial on a specific route, once approved by the relevant authority. The trial will be supported by safety and remote-monitoring procedures, with C&C’s Certified Safety Officer monitoring the vehicle and able to intervene remotely when required.
The trial is expected to run for 3-6 months. It will explore how autonomous transport could improve operational efficiency, consistency and service reliability, address labour shortages and support lower-emission road transport.
"The initiative gives us the opportunity to put the technology into a real logistics environment, learn from the experience, and understand how it could become part of our future logistics solutions," said Allan Melgaard, Global CEO, Scan Global Logistics.
Wilfrid Foo, CEO, Cycle & Carriage Group, said successful deployment of an autonomous vehicle requires collaboration, operational expertise and an understanding of the environment in which the technology will be used.
The data and operational experience gathered during the trial will help determine the next stage in autonomous operation. If the trial progresses successfully, the companies aim to make more autonomous transport solutions available for different customers in Singapore.
The MoU was signed at Cycle & Carriage’s facility in Singapore on 21 September by Melgaard and Foo, where the autonomous vehicle was also publicly unveiled.