Core Viewpoint - The Middle East, particularly Abu Dhabi, is emerging as a competitive market for domestic Robotaxi companies, with significant developments in autonomous driving services and partnerships aimed at commercial operations by 2026 [1][2][4]. Group 1: Market Developments - LoBo快跑 entered the Abu Dhabi market in March 2023 and has partnered with AutoGo to deploy sixth-generation unmanned vehicles, aiming for full autonomous operation by 2026 [2]. - 文远知行 has been operating Robotaxi services in Abu Dhabi since 2021 and plans to cover the city's core areas by the end of 2025, with a goal of expanding its fleet to 1,000 vehicles by 2026 and several thousand by 2030 [4]. - Both companies have been testing fully unmanned Robotaxi services locally, with recent licensing allowing the removal of safety drivers, which is expected to lead to single-vehicle profitability [4]. Group 2: Regional Expansion - 文远知行 has also received the first autonomous driving license in Saudi Arabia and has launched Robotaxi services in Riyadh [6]. - 小马智行 is actively expanding in the Middle East, having conducted successful public road tests in Doha, Qatar, and received testing permits in Dubai [6]. - LoBo快跑 has signed an agreement with Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority to initiate a trial operation of 50 autonomous vehicles, aiming for public service by 2026 [6]. Group 3: Global Strategy - 小马智行 is establishing research centers in various global locations, including Silicon Valley and Luxembourg, and is collaborating with local companies to enhance its Robotaxi services [7]. - The company has launched road tests in Singapore and South Korea, indicating a strategic focus on rapidly developing markets [7]. - LoBo快跑 has expanded its operations to 22 cities globally, with over 240 million kilometers driven, surpassing Waymo's order volume [7]. Group 4: Industry Opportunities - The overseas market for autonomous driving, particularly in the L4 segment, is seen as a vast potential area with ongoing demand for smart mobility and supportive policies [8][10]. - The combination of "technology output + ecosystem binding" is identified as a key pathway for scaling operations, leveraging domestic expertise in collaboration with local platforms [10][11]. - The decline in core component costs is facilitating the extension of autonomous driving applications beyond traditional passenger transport to include logistics and other services [11]. Group 5: Future Outlook - 2026 is anticipated to be a pivotal year for the mass production of Robotaxi services, with significant investments and innovations expected in the sector [12]. - The competitive landscape is evolving, with various operational models emerging, including integrated development and production approaches [12]. - The ability to adapt to local regulations and cultural contexts is crucial for sustainable growth in international markets [13][14].
逐鹿中东,百度、小马智行等抢滩Robotaxi蓝海