Baidu prepares to launch driverless taxi in Europe, WSJ reports
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A driverless car by Apollo Go, Baidu’s robotaxi service, driving past in Wuhan. The technology firm is said to be looking to launch its service in Europe.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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Chinese technology major Baidu is preparing to test its driverless ride-hailing service, Apollo Go, in Europe for the first time, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on May 13.
Baidu plans to set up a local entity in Switzerland in the coming months and aims to begin testing the technology by the end of 2025, WSJ said, citing people familiar with the matter.
The company has been in discussions with Switzerland’s bus services provider PostAuto to debut its robotaxi service in Switzerland, the WSJ report added.
Swiss Post, PostAuto’s parent, said in an e-mail to Reuters that there is currently no partnership or cooperation between the unit or Swiss Post and Baidu or any other technology provider.
“Swiss Post, with its Mobility Services unit, is also thinking about the future of our mobility and new customer requirements,” the company added.
Baidu also plans to launch Apollo Go in Turkey, the WSJ report said.
The company’s robotaxi service Apollo Go operates in multiple Chinese cities
Baidu did not immediately respond to a request for comment. REUTERS
