Baidu, the Chinese language Internet search provider, today announced its plan to establish a company to produce an intelligent electric car. The Internet platform and AI company said in a statement it has entered into a strategic partnership with multinational auto manufacturer Geely.
Apple is in negotiations with multiple global automakers. Hyundai is one of them and we are in the early stages of talks. Nothing has been decided, Hyundai Motor Co. said last week in a statement. Reuters recently reported that Apple is once again planning to build its own branded electric vehicle or Apple Car. According to the report, production of the electric Apple Car could start as early as 2024.
The move marks the latest company in China’s internet industry to enter the EV space. In November, news arrived that Alibaba and Chinese state-owned carmaker SAIC Motor had joined hands to produce electric cars. Ride-share company Didi and EV maker BYD co-developed a model for ride-hailing, which is already attracting customers like Ideanomics.
Baidu said in a statement that it will provide intelligent driving capabilities to power the passenger vehicles for the new venture. It added that Geely, which holds the distinction of best-selling Chinese automobile brand in past years under the Volvo and Geely brands, will contribute its expertise in automobile design and manufacturing.
“At Baidu, we have long believed in the future of intelligent driving and have over the past decade invested heavily in AI to build a portfolio of world-class self-driving services. China has become the world’s largest market for EVs, and we are seeing EV consumers demanding next-generation vehicles to be more intelligent.” said Robin Li, Co-founder and CEO of Baidu.
“As a top Chinese automaker with global reach, Geely has the unique experience and resources to design, produce and market energy-efficient, reliable and safe automobiles in large scale. We believe that by combining Baidu’s expertise in smart transportation, connected vehicles and autonomous driving with Geely’s expertise as a leading automobile and EV manufacturer, the new partnership will pave the way for future passenger vehicles.”
