China’s Baidu and Uber Technologies are set to deploy “thousands” of Baidu’s Apollo Go autonomous vehicles (AVs) on the Uber platform across various worldwide markets, outside of mainland China and the US.
This multi-year strategic collaboration is expected to enhance the availability of cost-effective and dependable ridesharing alternatives by integrating Baidu’s AVs into Uber’s network.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The inaugural rollouts of this collaboration are slated for Asia and the Middle East later in 2025.
Following the launch, riders who request an eligible Uber trip may have the choice to be serviced by a fully driverless Apollo Go AV.
Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said: “This partnership brings together two of the world’s most iconic technology companies to help shape the future of mobility.
“As the world’s largest platform of its kind, spanning mobility, delivery, and freight, Uber is uniquely positioned to help AV leaders like Baidu bring their autonomous technology to the world.”
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataApollo Go is said to deploy a fleet of more than 1,000 driverless vehicles worldwide, with its presence extending to 15 cities, including Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
It has offered over 11 million cumulative rides to the public as of May.
Baidu CEO, co-founder, and chairman Robin Li said: “We are committed to bringing the benefit of autonomous driving technology to more people in more markets, and this partnership with Uber represents a major milestone in deploying our technology on a global scale.
“We look forward to working with Uber to deliver safe and efficient autonomous mobility solutions to riders around the world.”
Last month, Wayve and Uber announced their plans to commence public-road trials of Level 4 AVs in London, UK, next year. This venture will utilise Wayve’s Embodied AI platform alongside Uber’s mobility network to amplify the deployment of AVs across Europe.
In May, Uber Technologies and May Mobility, an AV technology firm, entered into a multi-year collaboration to introduce AVs in US cities. The initiative is poised to launch thousands of AVs on the Uber platform, with Arlington, Texas, anticipated to be the first city by the end of this year.
