Baidu’s autonomous driving arm, Apollo, has entered a strategic partnership with CAR Inc., one of China’s leading mobility providers, to roll out the country’s first autonomous vehicle rental service, the companies said in a joint statement.
The initiative will allow users to book self-driving vehicles for designated time slots, targeting flexible transportation needs across urban and cultural destinations. The service is designed to support individuals who are unable to drive, such as seniors, foreign tourists, unlicensed users, and people with disabilities, offering them enhanced mobility options on demand.
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The partnership is expected to accelerate the integration of autonomous driving technology into real-world applications. The two firms aim to develop scalable use cases within the cultural tourism sector and replicate the model in other cities.
“This strategic partnership signifies a profound integration of our technological expertise with practical applications,” said Yunpeng Wang, Corporate Vice President of Baidu and President of its Intelligent Driving Group. “Through close cooperation, we aim to establish a benchmark model for autonomous driving in the cultural tourism rental sector, delivering a safer and more personalised mobility experience.”
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China’s car rental market is forecast to exceed 300 billion yuan (approximately $41 billion) by 2030, presenting a significant opportunity for innovation. The companies plan to begin piloting the autonomous rental service in the second quarter of this year and will continue refining it based on customer feedback. Over the next three to five years, the collaboration will focus on expanding deployment and achieving synergies across different application areas.