Beijing, October 22, 2025 – Forget the Alps; Switzerland is about to become a proving ground for autonomous vehicles.

Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ: BIDU), the Chinese tech giant, has just announced a strategic partnership between its autonomous ride-hailing service, Apollo Go, and PostBus, the leading public transport operator in Switzerland.

Their mission? To launch “AmiGo,” an on-demand autonomous mobility service set to complement the existing public transport system in Eastern Switzerland. This isn’t just a pilot; it’s a bold step into the heart of Europe for Baidu’s driverless ambitions.

The initial fleet testing is slated to begin in December 2025 across the cantons of St. Gallen, Appenzell Ausserrhoden, and Appenzell Innerrhoden. If all goes to plan, regular operations, fully driverless, will roll out by the first quarter of 2027.

Imagine booking a ride through a mobile app, stepping into a fully electric RT6 vehicle – customized for AmiGo – with seating for up to four passengers, and letting the car take you to your destination.

The service will even allow ride-pooling, aiming to improve vehicle utilization and efficiency. This isn’t just about convenience; it’s about reimagining urban and rural transit.

Liang Zhang, Managing Director of EMEA for Baidu Apollo, didn’t mince words, stating, “As the world’s leading and China’s largest operator of Level 4 autonomous vehicles, we are bringing our globally proven technology and operational expertise… to Europe.”

Baidu Apollo Go already operates a fully driverless fleet of over 1000 vehicles across 16 cities globally, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Hong Kong, having accumulated over 200 million autonomous kilometers and provided more than 14 million rides. This isn’t a startup; it’s a seasoned player bringing serious tech to the table.

PostBus, a subsidiary of Swiss Post, is stepping up as the local operator, building on its pioneering role in deploying autonomous driving technology within the country. Stefan Regli, CEO of PostBus, emphasized that AmiGo will bring “the mobility of the future to Eastern Switzerland — flexibly, digitally and completely in line with our customers’ needs.”

The partnership has garnered significant support from various Swiss cantons and federal offices, including the Federal Office of Transport and the Federal Roads Office, signaling a national commitment to integrating autonomous vehicles.

The rollout will be phased: initial test runs in December 2025 will involve mapping trips without passengers, but with safety drivers. By the first half of 2026, pilot operations will expand to a select group of users, still with safety drivers.

Driverless trials are expected to commence later in 2026, paving the way for regular, fully autonomous operations in early 2027, provided all safety and quality requirements are met. This methodical approach suggests a cautious yet determined push towards a driverless future.

This collaboration marks a significant milestone for Baidu’s global expansion, planting a firm flag in the European market. It’s a testament to the growing confidence in Level 4 autonomous technology and a clear signal that driverless cars are no longer a distant dream, but a rapidly approaching reality.

Will Switzerland’s picturesque landscapes soon be traversed by silent, self-driving vehicles? It seems Baidu and PostBus are betting on it.