Summary:
- Baidu plans to test self-driving taxis in Europe by the end of the year.
- Chinese tech companies are investing heavily in self-driving technology.
- Baidu’s Apollo Go robotaxi service will be tested in Switzerland and Turkey.
Unique Article:
Chinese tech giant Baidu is set to make a groundbreaking move by testing self-driving taxis in Europe by the end of the year. This development marks a significant step in the advancement of autonomous driving technology on a global scale. With China’s tech companies and automakers heavily investing in intelligent driving, the competition in the domestic car market has intensified.
Already, driverless taxis are operational in China, particularly in Wuhan, where a fleet of over 500 vehicles can be hailed via an app in designated areas. Baidu’s Apollo Go robotaxi service is now expanding its reach beyond China, with plans to launch in Switzerland in collaboration with Switzerland’s PostAuto. The company will establish a local entity in Switzerland to conduct tests before the end of 2025, and will also introduce Apollo Go in Turkey.
Baidu’s venture into international markets follows a trend among Chinese autonomous driving companies seeking to establish a global presence. Rivals such as WeRide and Pony.AI are also exploring opportunities abroad, with projects in the Gulf region and Luxembourg. The expansion of self-driving taxi services to regions outside of China signifies a new era in transportation technology, with companies like Baidu leading the way in innovation and international collaboration.