Baidu Expands Autonomous Driving Services Globally, Partners with Lyft for UK, Germany Entry in 2026
Baidu Inc., a Chinese tech giant, is expanding its autonomous driving services globally. The company has partnered with Lyft Inc. to enter the European market, starting with the UK and Germany in 2026, subject to regulatory approvals. Baidu's Apollo Go division is already profitable in several Chinese cities and is in talks with governments worldwide to introduce its robotaxi services.
Baidu's foray into the global market is backed by significant investment. Since 2013, the company has invested billions of dollars into developing self-driving technology. This commitment has resulted in over 1,000 cars deployed across China and overseas. Apollo Go's data collection will be stored locally in the regions where it operates, ensuring compliance with data storage regulations. To facilitate this, Apollo Go has registered an entity in Switzerland to hire local employees and comply with regulations.
Apollo Go has already made strides in international markets. It has received 50 trial licenses in Dubai, doubling its fleet in the UAE to around 100 cars. The division's operations in several cities across China have reached operational profitability targets, demonstrating its potential for success in new markets. Baidu is currently discussing the introduction of autonomous vehicles with the government of South Australia and several Asian governments, including those in China and Singapore. Additionally, the company is in talks with governments in the Middle East, Europe, Southeast Asia, and Australia to expand its robotaxi services.
Baidu's Apollo Go is poised for global expansion, with partnerships, investments, and talks underway in various regions. The company's success in mainland China, where each vehicle in its fleet can be profitable on a per vehicle basis in several cities, bodes well for its international prospects. As Baidu continues to explore new markets, including Australia and parts of Southeast Asia, it is clear that the company is committed to making autonomous driving a global reality.
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