Ford to test self-driving cars in Beijing with Baidu, the latest carmaker to join the Apollo platform
- Apollo has garnered about 130 partners ranging from carmakers to tech giants like Microsoft, and chip maker Nvidia
Ford Motor and Baidu have launched a two-year project that will enable the US carmaker to test self-driving cars on Beijing’s road network, according to a joint announcement on Wednesday.
The test, slated to begin by the end of the year, will focus on level four autonomous driving, where vehicles would be able to slow down, pull over or park themselves at a safe spot if a human driver does not take control when requested, according to industry guidelines set by the Society of Automotive Engineers.
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“Working with a leading tech partner like Baidu allows us to leverage new opportunities in China to offer innovative solutions that improve safety, convenience and the overall mobility experience,” said Sherif Marakby, president and chief executive of Ford’s autonomous vehicles unit.
Ford is a founding member of the Apollo Committee, an advisory group for Baidu’s autonomous driving open platform. Apollo has garnered about 130 partners ranging from carmakers to tech giants like Microsoft, and chip maker Nvidia.
Autonomous vehicles are a key part of Baidu’s future as it seeks to reshape itself into a major player in artificial intelligence, in line with China’s national strategy to develop global leadership in the field.