Baidu is expanding its Apollo Go robotaxi network to Switzerland through a new partnership with PostBus, the nation’s largest public transport operator, in a major step toward bringing autonomous ride-hailing to Europe.
The companies will begin trial operations in December 2025, with regular commercial service planned by early 2027, Baidu said on Wednesday. The pilot will operate in eastern Switzerland, covering the cantons of St. Gallen, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, and Appenzell Innerrhoden.
The move extends Baidu’s aggressive global expansion strategy. The Chinese tech giant recently inked partnerships with Lyft to deploy robotaxis across Europe starting next year, and with Uber to integrate thousands of Apollo Go vehicles into its platform in several international markets.
Baidu’s Apollo Go service already runs a fleet of more than 1,000 driverless vehicles in 16 cities worldwide, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Hong Kong, making it one of the world’s largest autonomous taxi networks.
As China’s advertising market weakens, Baidu is betting heavily on AI and self-driving technologies to power its next phase of growth. The PostBus collaboration also gives the company its first European presence and a partner with strong public transport integration experience.
Analysts say Switzerland’s efficient transport system and open approach to autonomous vehicle trials make it an ideal proving ground for Baidu’s European ambitions. The project could help shape future collaborations between Asian and European transport ecosystems as the race to commercialize robotaxis accelerates.
