Baidu, one of China’s leading tech giants, is preparing to test and launch its autonomous ride-hailing service, Apollo Go, in Europe and Turkey. This move marks the latest step in the global expansion of Chinese self-driving technology companies, as they seek to establish a presence beyond their home market.
According to sources close to the company, Baidu is currently in discussions with PostAuto, a division of Swiss Post, to roll out a robotaxi service in Switzerland. The company aims to begin testing Apollo Go in Switzerland before the end of this year. These plans, which were first highlighted by the Wall Street Journal, signal Baidu’s intention to compete internationally with other autonomous driving firms.
Baidu’s international ambitions come as more Chinese self-driving startups pursue growth abroad. WeRide, another China-based autonomous technology firm listed in the U.S., has already expanded operations into more than 30 cities across ten countries, including China, the UAE, France, and Singapore. Partnerships are also forming with global players — Uber, for instance, has teamed up with WeRide, Pony, and Momenta Technology to offer robotaxi services on its platform in markets such as the UAE and Europe.
In China, Baidu’s Apollo Go operates one of the largest fleets of autonomous taxis, with service in major cities such as Beijing, Guangzhou, and Wuhan. However, the rollout has not been without controversy. In Wuhan, both residents and taxi drivers have expressed concerns about the impact of self-driving vehicles on local jobs, highlighting the complex social challenges that can come with rapid technological change.
