Chinese tech giant Baidu is preparing to introduce its Apollo Go robotaxi service to Europe, expanding its presence beyond Hong Kong, according to a report by the Wall Street Journal citing sources familiar with the matter.
Baidu is reportedly in discussions with PostAuto, a subsidiary of Swiss Post responsible for public bus services, to collaborate on deploying Apollo Go in Switzerland. The company plans to establish a local entity in Switzerland in the coming months and aims to begin testing the autonomous driving technology by the end of 2025. Baidu also has plans to roll out Apollo Go in Turkey.
See also: Apollo Go and Autogo to Launch Autonomous Robotaxi Trials in Abu Dhab
Since entering the autonomous driving space in 2013, Baidu has become one of Chinaās pioneering companies in the field. Apollo Go currently operates robotaxi services in over ten cities across mainland China.
In November 2024, the Hong Kong government granted pilot licenses to Apollo Go, enabling trial runs of its self-driving vehicles in specific zones, with recent approvals allowing for expanded testing in the region.
See also: Baidu Plans to Expand Apollo Go Robotaxi Service Beyond China Amid U.S. Restrictions
Other Chinese robotaxi companies are also actively pursuing international expansion. WeRide, Pony AI, and Momenta have formed strategic partnerships with Uber to integrate robotaxi services on the Uber platform globally. WeRide began operations in Abu Dhabi in December 2024 and recently extended its services to Dubai and 15 additional cities.
Pony AI and Momenta also announced collaborations with Uber earlier this month, aiming to broaden the reach of autonomous ride-hailing services worldwide.