Baidu is set to introduce its autonomous taxi service, Apollo Go, to Europe. Currently, the company is in talks with PostAuto, a Swiss Post subsidiary, to commence technical trials in Switzerland by year's end. Additionally, Baidu intends to extend this service to Turkey. This strategic move aims to expand into international markets amidst intensifying competition. Notably, WeRide has already initiated autonomous driving tests in Switzerland and launched trial operations of driverless shuttles in France. While analysts acknowledge potential regulatory hurdles for autonomous taxis in Europe, they also point out that given the high costs associated with local taxi drivers, a successful launch could herald promising commercial opportunities.
