SAIC Mobility has announced plans to develop a purpose-built, production-ready robotaxi for its parent company, Chinese state-owned automaker SAIC Motor. The mobility services company, which operates ride-hailing services across China using artificial intelligence (AI) and Level 4 autonomous driving technologies, said it plans to have a dedicated robotaxi ready for production by 2027.
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SAIC Mobility unveiled the project at an advanced autonomous driving forum, held during the 2026 World Artificial Intelligence Conference in Shanghai. The company said it aims to move beyond the development of robotaxis adapted from existing passenger vehicle models toward purpose-designed models for commercial autonomous ride-hailing operations.
SAIC Mobility said it will lead the product development, including setting design priorities, by tapping into its knowledge of passenger experience and requirements, as well as taxi fleet management. The company confirmed that the interior layout and onboard functions will be specifically designed for driverless ride-hailing vehicles, while the vehicles will be designed to simplify fleet management, maintenance, and servicing.
The new model will be put into service initially in Shanghai, becoming the first purpose-built, mass-produced robotaxi to operate in the city, according to SAIC Mobility.
