Baidu Inc. is preparing to introduce its Apollo Go robotaxi service in Singapore and Malaysia as early as this year, according to a source familiar with the plans. The move marks a significant step in the Chinese technology giant’s strategy to accelerate its global autonomous mobility footprint.
The company is currently engaged in discussions with potential partners to determine optimal business models for the two Southeast Asian markets. The source, who requested anonymity due to the confidential nature of the discussions, noted that Baidu is considering collaborations with local mobility service providers, taxi firms, and third-party fleet operators. This aligns with CEO Robin Li’s previously stated preference for an asset-light expansion model.
The development comes at a time when global competition in autonomous driving is intensifying. Tesla is expected to unveil its Cybercab robotaxi network in the coming days, with CEO Elon Musk heavily promoting autonomy as a cornerstone of the electric vehicle maker’s long-term growth. Meanwhile, other Chinese players such as Apollo Go, along with US-listed firms WeRide Inc. and Pony.ai Inc., are extending their reach into the Middle East, Europe and Southeast Asia.
Although Baidu has not officially commented on the plans, the initiative was earlier reported by Dow Jones Newswires.
Apollo Go has been scaling rapidly. The service has deployed more than 1,000 self-driving vehicles globally, the majority of which operate within China. As of the first quarter of 2025, Apollo Go had recorded 11 million rides, surpassing Alphabet’s Waymo, which reached 10 million paid rides by 23 May.
Baidu is also eyeing expansion into Europe and Turkey, with ongoing discussions involving PostAuto, a subsidiary of Swiss Post, regarding the launch of robotaxi services in Switzerland.
-Bloomberg
