Driverless taxis gain traction in Wuhan amid controversy and competition | Digital Watch Observatory

🌈 Abstract

The article discusses the rise of Baidu's driverless taxi service, Apollo Go, in Wuhan, China, and the response from the traditional taxi industry.

🙋 Q&A

[01] The traditional taxi industry's response

1. What is the traditional taxi industry's response to the rise of Baidu's driverless taxi service?

• The traditional taxi industry has petitioned the municipal transport authority to regulate the service, citing declining incomes and job losses.
• Local taxi operators, such as Wuhan Jianshe Automotive Passenger Transportation, have reported that some of their drivers have quit due to competition from the robotaxis, and they have accused the autonomous vehicles of taking jobs away from grassroots drivers.

2. What are the key concerns raised by the traditional taxi industry?

• Declining incomes for taxi drivers
• Job losses for taxi drivers due to competition from the driverless taxis

[02] Baidu's driverless taxi service

1. What is the current status of Baidu's driverless taxi service, Apollo Go, in Wuhan?

• Apollo Go has quickly become popular in Wuhan since its launch in August 2022.
• The service has amassed a fleet of over 500 vehicles in the city of 13.7 million people.
• Baidu plans to expand Apollo Go's fleet in Wuhan to 1,000 vehicles and aims to break even locally by the end of the year.

2. How has Baidu responded to the complaints from locals and taxi drivers?

• Baidu did not respond to a request for comment.
• However, the company mentioned in May that it had reported misinformation about Apollo Go on social media to the police, resulting in the arrest of more than ten suspects.

3. What is the current financial status of Baidu's autonomous driving project?

• After years of financial losses, Baidu's autonomous driving project is now aiming for profitability.
• The head of Baidu's Intelligent Driving Group expressed confidence in an internal letter in April.