Chinese tech giant Baidu is preparing to bring its driverless ride-hailing service, Apollo Go, to Europe for the first time, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal.
The company is planning to set up a local entity in Switzerland and aims to begin testing its robotaxi technology by the end of 2025. The information comes from sources familiar with Baidu’s plans, as reported by the WSJ.
Apollo Go currently operates across several cities in China. Its largest deployment is in Wuhan, where Baidu runs a fleet of over 400 autonomous vehicles.
Talks With Swiss Transit Company Underway
The report also mentioned that Baidu has been in talks with Swiss bus operator PostAuto to introduce Apollo Go in Switzerland. However, Swiss Post, PostAuto’s parent company, clarified to Reuters that no formal partnership currently exists with Baidu or any other tech provider.
In a statement, Swiss Post said its Mobility Services unit is exploring future transportation solutions and evolving customer needs, but confirmed no agreement is in place.
Expansion Beyond Switzerland
Baidu’s expansion plans are not limited to Switzerland. The WSJ report also stated that the company is planning to introduce Apollo Go in Turkey, though no timeline or further details have been provided.
Apollo Go is one of the most active robotaxi programs in the world. Its operations in China include several cities and represent a major push by Baidu into autonomous mobility.
Baidu has not responded to requests for comment as of this publication.
