Baidu and Lyft Partner to Roll Out Self-Driving Taxis in Europe by 2026

Baidu and Lyft have partnered to launch autonomous ride-hailing services in Europe, starting with Germany and the UK in 2026. Baidu will provide its sixth-generation RT6 electric autonomous vehicles, while Lyft will oversee operations and marketplace integration. The partnership aims to bring safe and efficient transportation to European riders and make the continent a leader in sustainable urban mobility. Shares of both companies traded higher following the announcement.

Baidu and Lyft have announced a strategic partnership to launch autonomous ride-hailing services in Europe, with initial deployments planned for Germany and the UK in 2026. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in Baidu's international expansion and positions Lyft as a leading AV platform in Europe [1].

Under the agreement, Baidu will provide its sixth-generation RT6 electric autonomous vehicles, while Lyft will oversee operations and marketplace integration. The RT6 vehicles are designed for rideshare operations and leverage Baidu's Apollo ADFM (Autonomous Driving Foundation Model) and six generations of real-world testing. Lyft's extensive experience in European markets, including its acquisition of FREENOW, will facilitate the deployment of these vehicles [1].

The partnership focuses on four key areas to transform European mobility: advanced AV technology deployment, proven scale and operational excellence, strategic partnership, and European market integration. Baidu's Apollo Go brings unparalleled operational expertise and advanced autonomous driving technology to the partnership. With a global footprint spanning 15 cities and over 11 million rides globally, Apollo Go has demonstrated the ability to scale from test operations to full commercial deployment [1].

Lyft's hybrid network approach, where AVs and human drivers work together, will provide customer-obsessed options for riders. The companies are committed to working closely with European regulators to ensure the vehicles meet all necessary safety standards and regulatory requirements. This partnership aims to establish Europe as a global showcase for autonomous ride-hailing services and set a new standard for safety-focused, efficient, and sustainable urban mobility [1].

Following the announcement, shares of both companies traded higher, reflecting investor optimism about the potential of this partnership. Baidu, a leading AI company with a strong Internet foundation, and Lyft, one of North America's and Europe's largest transportation networks, are well-positioned to lead the autonomous mobility revolution in Europe [1].

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[1] https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lyft-partners-with-baidu-to-deploy-autonomous-rides-across-europe-302520510.html