Baidu is set to expand its Apollo Go robotaxi service into Southeast Asia, with plans to launch in Singapore and Malaysia as early as this year. The company is currently in discussions with potential partners to explore business models that would be suitable for these two markets, according to a report by Bloomberg.
This move marks Baidu’s continued push into the autonomous driving technology sector, a field the company entered back in 2013, making it one of the earliest Chinese companies to do so. Apollo Go, Baidu’s autonomous taxi service, has already accumulated over 11 million rides as of May, with service coverage expanded to 15 cities.
The global robotaxi fleet of Apollo Go has reached 1,000 vehicles, solidifying its position as one of the world’s leading robotaxi service providers. Baidu CEO Robin Li expressed confidence in the growth of the service, stating that millions of commercial autonomous vehicles for shared mobility are expected to be on the roads globally by 2030.
In addition to its expansion into Southeast Asia, Apollo Go has also made strides in other regions. The service recently expanded to Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with road validation tests conducted in Dubai in May. In April, Apollo Go was granted approval to conduct designated passenger tests on open roads in Hong Kong, marking its entry into the right-hand drive market.
The Wall Street Journal reported that Baidu is also planning to launch its Apollo Go robotaxi service in Switzerland, with plans to establish a local company in the country in the coming months. This expansion is part of Baidu’s efforts to grow its presence in the global autonomous driving market, which is projected to see significant growth in the coming years.
With the Chinese robotaxi market already boasting the world’s largest fleet of about 1,700 vehicles, Goldman Sachs forecasts substantial growth in the market size, from an estimated $54 million this year to $47 billion by 2035. This growth is expected to be driven by declining hardware and algorithm prices, as well as reduced operational costs for fleet owners.
Overall, Baidu’s expansion into Southeast Asia with its Apollo Go robotaxi service is a strategic move that aligns with the company’s vision of becoming a key player in the global autonomous driving market. By leveraging its technology and partnerships, Baidu is poised to drive innovation and shape the future of mobility in the region and beyond.
