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

Baidu plans to launch Apollo Go robotaxi services in Malaysia and Singapore possibly by the end of this year. The strategy involves collaborating with local partners and follows successful operations in China. This expansion coincides with a growing global interest in autonomous vehicles, with Baidu competing against companies like Tesla and Waymo. Notably, Baidu intends to explore further expansions into EU markets as well.

In a significant move, Baidu is eyeing the launch of its Apollo Go robotaxi services in Malaysia and Singapore, with operations potentially starting as soon as this year. This information was reported by Bloomberg and comes from a source familiar with Baidu’s intentions. It appears that the Chinese technology leader is keen on broadening its global influence beyond its home market.

Baidu is currently engaged in discussions with potential local partners to explore viable business models tailored to the Malaysian and Singaporean markets. The company’s Chief Executive, Robin Li, has stated, “We are looking at mobility service providers, local taxi companies, and third-party fleet operators,” indicating that Baidu is inclined toward an asset-light operational strategy.

The timing of this expansion aligns with an increase in global competition within the autonomous vehicle sector. Tesla, for example, is on the verge of launching its Cybercab robotaxi network, with CEO Elon Musk placing substantial bets on the future of autonomous driving to drive growth for the company.

Baidu’s Apollo Go is not alone in its ambitions; it is part of a trio of Chinese firms, alongside WeRide and Pony.ai, that are intensifying their efforts to penetrate markets in Southeast Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. As for Apollo Go, it has already achieved considerable success domestically, boasting a fleet of over 1,000 autonomous vehicles and accumulating a staggering 11 million rides globally by the first quarter of 2025.

This performance surpasses that of its American counterpart, Waymo, which reported 10 million paid rides as of May. Moreover, Baidu is looking beyond Southeast Asia with potential plans to introduce its robotaxi services in European markets like Switzerland, where it is in discussions with PostAuto, a subsidiary of Swiss Post.

So far, Baidu has not released any official statements regarding its planned operations in Southeast Asia, but as discussions progress, it will be interesting to see how its strategy unfolds and how it competes in this burgeoning market.

Baidu’s ambitions to launch Apollo Go robotaxis in Malaysia and Singapore appear promising, with operations potentially commencing this year. As they engage local partners and navigate the competitive landscape shaped by other companies like Tesla and Waymo, the outcome of their strategy could significantly influence the future of autonomous transportation in Southeast Asia. Baidu is also actively exploring expansions beyond this region, aiming for a broader European presence.

Original Source: www.malaymail.com