Baidu Eyes Autonomous Vehicle Fleet Expansion In Abu Dhabi

• Baidu stated that its autonomous ride-hailing service, Apollo Go, and U.A.E.-based autonomous mobility company AutoGo signed a next-phase partnership agreement to scale their fleet to hundreds of vehicles by 2026. 
• The companies are eyeing the construction of the largest fully driverless fleet in Abu Dhabi.
• Baidu’s weekly rides surpassed 250,000 by the end of October.

Baidu, Inc. (BIDU) on Tuesday announced that it is now expanding its fleet of autonomous vehicles in Abu Dhabi, as it accelerates toward large-scale, fully driverless commercial operations.

Baidu’s autonomous ride-hailing service Apollo Go and U.A.E.-based autonomous mobility company AutoGo signed a next-phase partnership agreement to scale their fleet to hundreds of vehicles by 2026, Baidu said.

The companies also secured Abu Dhabi's inaugural fully driverless commercial permits issued by the Integrated Transport Centre, allowing it to commence fully driverless robotaxi service for the public, including residents and visitors. The companies are eyeing the construction of the largest fully driverless fleet in Abu Dhabi.

Executive Take

Liang Zhang, Managing Director of EMEA, Baidu Apollo, stated that moving from the initial announcement to fully driverless testing in just a few months, and now securing the permit, shows incredible potential and strong support for autonomous mobility in the U.A.E.

“This next phase, focused on larger-scale operation, brings us one step closer to a future of safer, smarter, and more sustainable transportation for the region." 
- Liang Zhang, Managing Director of EMEA, Baidu Apollo.

Earlier this month, it was reported that Baidu’s autonomous ride-hailing business is expanding rapidly worldwide, with weekly rides surpassing 250,000 by the end of October. This matched the weekly ride figure reported in April by Waymo, Alphabet's self-driving car unit, for its U.S. operations.

In September, the company also announced that Apollo Go has commenced trials in designated areas on open roads in urban Dubai since August.

How Did Stocktwits Users React?

On Stocktwits, retail sentiment around BIDU stock stayed within the ‘bullish’ territory over the past 24 hours, while message volume stayed at ‘high’ levels.

BIDU stock is up by 56% this year and by 49% over the past 12 months. 

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