Baidu’s Apollo Go Robotaxis May Hit Malaysia, Singapore Roads in 2025

Baidu is set to potentially launch its Apollo Go robotaxi service in Malaysia and Singapore by 2025, as part of its international expansion strategy. Discussions with local partners are in progress to establish suitable business models. This launch aligns with the growing global interest in autonomous vehicles, as competitors like Tesla also prepare to enter the market. Baidu has already executed over 11 million rides in China with Apollo Go.

Baidu is making waves with plans to potentially roll out its Apollo Go robotaxi services in Malaysia and Singapore as soon as 2025, according to a report from Bloomberg. This strategic decision appears to be part of Baidu’s ambitious agenda to expand its influence outside of its home turf in China. A source familiar with these plans disclosed that ongoing discussions are underway to partner with local operators to devise effective business models tailored for both markets.

Baidu’s CEO, Robin Li, has emphasized their preference for an “asset-light approach” in these collaborations. The company is exploring partnerships with mobility service providers, regional taxi companies, and independent fleet operators. This move comes at a time when the global race for autonomous vehicle technologies is heating up, with competitors like Tesla also taking significant steps forward.

Elon Musk’s Tesla is poised to launch its own Cybercab robotaxi network imminently, showcasing the growing interest in autonomous driving as a catalyst for future growth. Baidu’s Apollo Go is not an isolated venture; it is part of a larger movement among three notable Chinese players in the sector, alongside WeRide and Pony.ai, all looking to penetrate markets across the Middle East, Europe, and Southeast Asia.

In its current operations, the Apollo Go service has successfully deployed over 1,000 autonomous vehicles, predominantly in China, while racking up an impressive 11 million rides by the first quarter of 2025. This figures place Baidu ahead of its U.S. counterpart Waymo, which reported delivering 10 million paid rides by May.

Baidu’s aspirations do not end with Southeast Asia; they are also looking to broaden their reach into European markets, including Turkey. Collaborations are in progress with PostAuto, a subsidiary of Swiss Post, to potentially introduce its robotaxi services in Switzerland. However, as of now, Baidu has not made any formal announcement regarding its imminent plans for Southeast Asia.

In summary, Baidu’s Apollo Go robotaxi project is gearing up for a potential launch in Malaysia and Singapore by 2025, which marks a significant step in the company’s strategy to expand internationally. With a focus on forming local partnerships for operational efficiencies and a strong foothold in autonomous vehicle deployment, Baidu aims to establish its presence in this rapidly evolving market. As competition intensifies globally, the progress of Baidu’s service in China may position it favorably against rivals like Waymo.

Original Source: www.malaymail.com