Chinese tech company Baidu announced on Monday that it can sell some robotaxis without human staff in the vehicles.
Baidu
BEIJING — Chinese technology companies BaiduThe company’s robotaxi division, Apollo Go, is in talks with multiple companies to expand into overseas markets in the “near future,” according to people familiar with the matter.
Details such as timing and area are unknown.
Baidu is one of the leading robotaxis operators in China. Regulators in some areas of Beijing and cities such as Wuhan, Apollo’s largest operating area, have allowed companies to operate self-driving taxis commercially after years of allowing only internal testing.
tesla is scheduled to hold its widely anticipated robotaxi event on Thursday.
WeRide, another Chinese robotaxi developer, announced a deal in late September to integrate its fleet with the ride-hailing giant. Uberplatform in Abu Dhabi this year. In a statement, the companies said they have no plans for similar collaborations in the United States or China.
In July, BYD And Uber announced it would develop “autonomous vehicles” for the ride-hailing company’s platform. Details were not disclosed.
China’s robotaxis, run by companies like Baidu and Pony.ai, typically receive large subsidies from companies to encourage their use. Local regulations may require human staff to be seated in the vehicle. This means that not all vehicles are fully autonomous.
As of late July, Apollo Go had operated more than 7 million robotaxis, according to Baidu.
Separately, Baidu announced on Tuesday that Rong Luo will step down as CFO and become executive vice president, leading the company’s mobile ecosystem division. The company said Junjie He, the former head of its mobile division, will serve as interim CFO. Baidu described the changes as part of a “management change.”
