Baidu, a leading Chinese technology company, is set to introduce its Apollo Go robotaxi service in Hong Kong on a trial basis. This move comes after the success of the service in more than 10 cities across mainland China.
According to reports from Hong Kong media outlet TVB, the initial phase of testing for Apollo Go in Hong Kong is scheduled to take place at the airport by the end of this year. Baidu has already submitted an application for a trial self-driving test license and an autonomous vehicle certificate, which is currently pending approval from the Hong Kong Transport Department.
The Transport Department has assured that it will rigorously evaluate and facilitate the testing of autonomous vehicles in Hong Kong in a safe and organized manner. The first phase of testing will involve operating during off-peak hours, with a local driver possessing over a decade of driving experience serving as a backup operator.
Baidu has been actively involved in self-driving technology since 2013 and has been a pioneer in the field in China. In May of this year, the company unveiled its sixth-generation robotaxi, priced at 200,000 yuan ($27,600), marking a significant 60 percent reduction from the previous model.
The new sixth-generation robotaxis are set to be added to the Apollo Go fleet, with plans to deploy 1,000 units in Wuhan, Hubei province by the end of 2024. In June, Apollo Go launched a fully driverless ride-hailing service in Wuhan, further expanding its reach in the market.
As of now, Apollo Go operates in more than 10 cities in mainland China and has seen substantial growth in its services. In the third quarter of 2024 alone, the service provided nearly 1 million ride-hailing trips, representing a 20 percent increase year-on-year. With over 8 million cumulative ride-hailing services offered to date, Apollo Go continues to gain traction in the autonomous vehicle market.
The introduction of Apollo Go in Hong Kong signifies a significant milestone for Baidu, as it expands its footprint in the autonomous driving sector. The company’s commitment to innovation and technology development is evident in its continuous efforts to bring cutting-edge solutions to consumers worldwide. Stay tuned for more updates on Apollo Go’s trial operations in Hong Kong as they unfold.
