Chinese technology leader Baidu is preparing to test its cutting-edge autonomous ride-hailing service, Apollo Go, in Europe, marking a significant milestone in the company’s global expansion. The company plans to establish a local entity in Switzerland, aiming to begin testing its driverless vehicle technology by the end of 2025, according to the Wall Street Journal.
This move comes after months of discussions with Swiss transport service provider PostAuto, which is part of the larger Swiss Post group. The collaboration could see the introduction of Baidu’s robotaxi service on Swiss roads for the first time. However, Swiss Post has clarified that no formal partnership currently exists between PostAuto and Baidu, nor any other tech provider, despite the ongoing talks.
Testing in Switzerland: A Key Step Toward European Presence
Baidu’s Apollo Go robotaxi service is already operational in multiple Chinese cities, with the largest fleet deployed in Wuhan, where more than 400 autonomous vehicles are serving passengers. This expansion into Switzerland is a bold step for Baidu, as it seeks to tap into the growing European market for self-driving technologies.
According to the WSJ report, Baidu is also eyeing Turkey as another potential location for its autonomous ride-hailing service. If successful, these tests could serve as a stepping stone for broader European and global operations.
Swiss Post’s Role and Future Mobility Plans
While discussions are ongoing, Swiss Post has reiterated that no official cooperation is in place with Baidu. The postal service, through its Mobility Services unit, is exploring the future of mobility and emerging customer demands, which might include autonomous vehicle solutions in the long term. However, for now, Baidu’s efforts to partner with PostAuto remain in a preliminary phase.
Baidu’s Growing Fleet and Ambitious Plans
With Apollo Go already operational in China, Baidu has amassed the largest fleet of autonomous vehicles in the country, with over 400 vehicles operating in Wuhan alone. The move to test its technology in Switzerland represents Baidu’s growing ambition to become a global leader in autonomous vehicle technology.
As Baidu continues its outreach into new markets, the company faces competition from other global players in the autonomous driving space, including companies like Waymo and Tesla. Despite this, Baidu’s successful launch and operation of its robotaxi service in several Chinese cities give it a strong foundation to expand further into Europe.
Looking Ahead: Baidu’s European Plans and Global Ambitions
Baidu’s move to test Apollo Go in Europe is part of its broader strategy to establish a presence in international markets. By focusing on Switzerland and Turkey, Baidu is setting the stage for future growth in autonomous mobility across the continent. The company’s progress in the coming months will be closely watched, particularly as it navigates regulatory hurdles and local competition in these new markets.
