From CNBC: 2024-10-08 23:14:08

Baidu announced it can sell some robotaxi rides without human staff. The company’s Apollo Go unit is looking to expand into overseas markets soon. Baidu is a major operator of robotaxis in China, with regulators allowing commercial operation of self-driving taxis in certain areas.

In related news, Tesla is set to host a highly anticipated robotaxi event on Thursday. WeRide, another Chinese robotaxi developer, recently announced a deal to integrate its cars into Uber’s platform in Abu Dhabi. In July, BYD and Uber announced a partnership to develop “autonomous-capable vehicles.”

Robotaxi rides in China are heavily subsidized by companies like Baidu and Pony.ai. These rides often require a human staff worker to be present, making them not fully autonomous. Baidu’s Apollo Go unit has already completed more than 7 million robotaxi rides as of late July.

Additionally, Baidu announced a management rotation, with Rong Luo stepping down as CFO to oversee the mobile ecosystem unit. Junjie He will serve as interim CFO. This move is described as part of a strategy to rotate management roles within the company.

Read more: Baidu’s robotaxi unit is exploring expansion into global markets in the ‘near future’