Baidu starts the first car rental service with robotaxis worldwide!

Baidu starts the first car rental service with robotaxis worldwide!

Wuhan, China - In a surprising phrase Baidu on July 8, 2025 announced the start of the world's first autonomous auto rental service. The autonomy is at a completely new level: with the level 4 autonomous timetable, Baidus daughter Apollo brings the autonomous rental process to the streets in cooperation with Car Inc. This innovative combination that works without human help could revolutionize the way we use rental cars.

The booking of a self -driving vehicle is easily and easily via the mobile app from Car Inc. From the age of 18, every user can select, unlock and return a vehicle, and to get a human driver close without ever. Electrive emphasizes that the users have the flexibility during their journey to change their route and in various locations. At the end of the rental period, the vehicle navigates autonomously to the agreed return location.

target groups and market opportunities

The target groups for this service are diverse - from urban users to tourists to older people and international visitors who may not have a driver's license. The potential of this service is also reflected in the recent efforts by the US regulators to simplify the approval process for autonomous vehicles. baidu sees the new service as user-friendly and flexible, which makes it particularly attractive.

Baidu Apollo has not only been in business yesterday - the company has been experimenting with self -driving cars since 2013 and has developed six generations of robotaxis since then. In fact, the company Y is withdrawn from the competition by operating the largest robotaxi fleet in Wuhan. With over 400 vehicles, Baidu is ahead here. But that's not all: the company is already planning the expansion of its autonomous Ride-hailing platform Apollo Go to Europe, with an important focus on Switzerland and Turkey, where pilot projects have already been successfully carried out.

The European expansion strategy

Preparations for European markets are already in full swing. Baidu has started discussions with the PostBus bus service in Switzerland, even if no formal partnership has yet been agreed. As reported by techi , the European regulatory framework for autonomous vehicles is harmonized by 2026. In view of the growing market for autonomous mobility in Europe, Baidu sees significant opportunities.

The competition does not sleep. Baidu is not alone in Europe; Companies like Weride and Pony.ai also have plans for the European market. Pony.ai has already received permits in Luxembourg to offer robotaxi services; Weride started pilot projects in Switzerland. According to Baidu, regulatory permits, adjustments to different traffic situations and strategic partnerships are crucial for future success.