Key Points
- China’s Car Inc. and Baidu’s Apollo have partnered to launch a self-driving car rental service.
- Customers can rent the autonomous vehicles for periods ranging from four hours to seven days.
- The first batch of customized Apollo cars can carry up to three passengers.
- This is a commercial service open to the public. The partnership combines Baidu’s AI technology with Car Inc.’s large rental fleet.
Renting a car in China is about to get a lot more futuristic. The major auto rental company, Car Inc., announced it has teamed up with Baidu’s smart driving division, Apollo, to launch a new autonomous driving rental service. This move marks a significant step in bringing self-driving technology directly to consumers for everyday use.
Unlike a short robotaxi ride, this service allows customers to book a self-driving car for extended periods. The company has already opened reservations for users over the age of 18, with rental options ranging from a four-hour block to a full seven-day week. This gives people a chance to experience the technology more deeply than a single trip would allow.
The first vehicles available are customized cars equipped with Baidu’s advanced Apollo self-driving system. These cars are designed to accommodate up to three passengers, making them suitable for small groups or families looking to try out the new technology.
This partnership is a strategic move for both companies. Baidu, a leader in China’s artificial intelligence and autonomous driving race, gains a massive, real-world platform to deploy its technology through Car Inc.’s established network. Meanwhile, Car Inc. gains a powerful technological edge over its competitors by offering a unique, cutting-edge service.
The launch signals that autonomous driving is moving beyond the testing phase and into a commercial reality in China. By combining a tech giant’s AI with a rental giant’s fleet, this service presents a new model for integrating self-driving cars into our daily lives, transforming the way people perceive mobility and car rental.
