In a bold move toward transforming urban transportation, Baidu, Inc. and Lyft, Inc. have formed a strategic partnership to bring Baidu’s Apollo Go self-driving vehicles to major markets across Europe. This alliance marks a major milestone in Baidu’s global expansion and further elevates Lyft’s presence in the European autonomous vehicle ecosystem.

First Stops: Germany and the United Kingdom

Starting in 2026, pending regulatory approval, Lyft will integrate Baidu’s sixth-generation Apollo Go autonomous vehicles into its platform in Germany and the UK. The deployment aims to scale rapidly, expanding to thousands of vehicles across Europe in the years that follow.

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Baidu will supply its state-of-the-art AV technology, including the fully electric RT6 vehicles, while Lyft will manage the operational side from fleet management to customer interactions. Together, the companies aim to deliver a new standard in safe, reliable, and eco-friendly urban mobility.

Leaders Speak: Vision and Impact

Robin Li, Co-founder and CEO of Baidu, pointed to the deal’s global relevance: “Launching Apollo Go in Europe with Lyft reflects our vision of accessible, world-class autonomous mobility. By blending Baidu’s technological innovation with Lyft’s regional expertise, we’re ready to redefine urban travel.”

David Risher, Lyft’s CEO, added: “Our focus remains on delivering an exceptional rider experience. Baidu’s extensive AV expertise enables us to bring a safer and more private option to millions of Europeans. Importantly, we’ll work closely with local regulators to ensure a smart and responsible rollout.”

Key Pillars of the Partnership

This groundbreaking collaboration will focus on four primary areas:

  1. Cutting-edge Technology: The RT6 vehicles, powered by Baidu’s proprietary Autonomous Driving Foundation Model (ADFM), offer next-level safety, consistency, and comfort through the Lyft platform.
  2. Proven Scalability: Baidu’s Apollo Go already operates in 15 cities, with over 11 million autonomous rides completed, showcasing unmatched scalability and operational success.
  3. Integrated Operations: While Lyft will oversee operations and the marketplace, Baidu will deliver vehicle tech, validation, and technical support streamlining autonomous deployment at scale.
  4. European Market Readiness: Through its acquisition of FREENOW, Lyft gains a head start in nine European countries and over 180 cities. This strategic advantage, combined with strong regulatory relationships, paves the way for rapid AV rollout in Europe.

Next Steps Toward Smarter Mobility

The partnership will begin with regulatory clearances in 2026, with both firms closely collaborating with local authorities to meet safety and operational standards. Europe’s robust transport infrastructure and growing demand for sustainable urban mobility make it an ideal region to showcase the future of autonomous ride-hailing.

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Together, Baidu and Lyft aim to set a new benchmark for efficient, safe, and green transportation across Europe.

FAQs

1. What is Apollo Go, and how does it work?

Apollo Go is Baidu’s fully autonomous ride-hailing platform. It uses AI-powered driving technology, advanced sensors, and machine learning to navigate city streets without human input, offering passengers a safe and consistent ride experience.

2. When will Apollo Go autonomous vehicles launch in Europe?

The initial rollout is planned for 2026 in Germany and the United Kingdom, pending regulatory approval. Over time, Baidu and Lyft plan to expand across multiple European countries.

3. What makes autonomous vehicles safer than traditional cars?

Autonomous vehicles like Apollo Go use real-time data, 360-degree sensors, and multiple layers of safety redundancy to detect obstacles and react instantly often faster than a human driver resulting in fewer accidents and safer roads.

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