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Uber and Lyft to test Baidu robotaxis in London next year, joining Waymo
TechCrunchยท 2025-12-22 16:25
Core Insights - Uber and Lyft will begin testing Baidu's Apollo Go robotaxis in London starting in 2026, joining other companies like Waymo and Wayve in the autonomous vehicle market [1][2] - Lyft plans to scale operations to hundreds of Baidu's electric RT6 SUVs, pending local regulatory approval, although no specific timeline for commercial launch has been provided [1] - Uber expects to start its testing in the first half of 2026 as part of a deal with Baidu announced in July, marking a significant step in their global robotaxi operations [2] Company Strategies - Lyft's CEO David Risher indicated that the company aims to expand its fleet significantly once testing begins, highlighting a proactive approach to entering the autonomous vehicle market [1] - Uber's partnership with Baidu is part of a broader strategy to establish robotaxi services in various cities worldwide, reflecting a competitive landscape among major players in the industry [2] Industry Developments - The introduction of robotaxis in London represents a growing trend in the transportation sector, with multiple companies forming partnerships to enhance their autonomous vehicle capabilities [2] - The collaboration between Uber, Lyft, and Baidu signifies a shift towards electric and autonomous transportation solutions, aligning with global sustainability goals [1][2]