NASDAQ:BIDU

Uber Launches Baidu Driverless Robotaxis in Dubai

Uber Technologies (NYSE: UBER) and Baidu (NASDAQ: BIDU) have launched fully driverless Apollo Go robotaxis on Uber’s platform in Dubai, marking the first commercial deployment under their multi-year autonomous-vehicle partnership.

Starting August 20, riders requesting UberX or Uber Comfort in select areas of Umm Suqeim and Jumeirah may be matched with Baidu’s autonomous vehicles. Customers can also select an “Autonomous” option in the Uber app to increase their chances of receiving a robotaxi.

Dubai Becomes Launchpad for Global Expansion

The service uses Baidu’s sixth-generation RT6, a purpose-built electric robotaxi equipped with more than 30 sensors. Dubai is expected to serve as the starting point for plans to deploy thousands of Apollo Go vehicles across Uber’s global network.

Baidu said Apollo Go now operates across 28 cities and has accumulated more than 350 million autonomous kilometers, including over 240 million kilometers without a human driver.

For Uber, the launch advances its strategy of becoming the distribution platform for autonomous mobility rather than developing its own self-driving technology. Uber now works with more than 30 autonomous-vehicle partners, allowing competing AV developers to access its large ride-hailing network.

The Dubai deployment is therefore strategically important for both companies: Baidu gains international distribution for Apollo Go, while Uber strengthens its position as a marketplace connecting autonomous fleets with riders.
Baidu Stock Falls 7.3% as Weak Advertising Revenue Overshadows AI Growth

Baidu (NASDAQ: BIDU) shares fell about 7.3% after the Chinese technology company reported second-quarter results that highlighted strong momentum in its AI businesses but continued weakness in its traditional online marketing operations.

Total revenue declined 4% year-over-year to RMB31.3 billion, while Baidu General Business revenue also fell 4% to RMB25.2 billion. The company's legacy online marketing business remained under pressure, with online marketing revenue dropping 19% from a year earlier to RMB13.1 billion. Baidu's net income attributable to shareholders was RMB2.3 billion, with diluted earnings per ADS of RMB5.74.

AI Businesses Continue to Expand

The weaker share price came despite impressive growth in Baidu's AI operations, which management now describes as the core of the company's long-term strategy.

Revenue from Baidu Core AI-powered Business reached RMB12.5 billion, accounting for roughly half of Baidu General Business revenue. AI Cloud Infrastructure revenue rose 50% year-over-year to RMB7.3 billion, while GPU Cloud revenue surged 283%, accelerating from 184% growth in the previous quarter.

AI Applications revenue increased 3% to RMB2.5 billion, while Apollo Go continued expanding internationally, launching fully driverless commercial operations in Dubai and conducting testing in London, Hong Kong, Switzerland and other markets.

Legacy Business Still Weighs on Results

Investors appeared to focus on the continued deterioration in Baidu's legacy internet business. Legacy business revenue declined 23% year-over-year, while total Baidu General Business revenue slipped 4%.

Although Baidu generated positive operating cash flow for a fourth consecutive quarter and maintained RMB283.1 billion in cash and investments, the sharp decline in advertising revenue suggests the company's transition from an internet-centric business to an AI-first company is still underway rather than complete.

The 7.3% selloff therefore appears to reflect investor concern that rapid AI growth is not yet large enough to fully offset weakness in Baidu's traditional advertising operations. While GPU Cloud and AI infrastructure continue to post exceptional growth rates, markets are likely looking for clearer evidence that those businesses can translate into sustained overall revenue and earnings growth as the legacy business contracts.
Baidu Shares Edge Higher as AI Business Crosses Historic Threshold in Q1 2026

Baidu's stock ticked up 0.81% today after the company reported its first quarter 2026 earnings, a modest but telling market response to results that showed the company's artificial intelligence business reaching a symbolic milestone for the first time.

The headline number was a structural one. Revenue from Baidu's Core AI-powered Business exceeded RMB 13.6 billion in Q1, rising 49% year over year, and for the first time crossed the threshold of representing more than half of Baidu General Business revenue. Robin Li, co-founder and CEO, framed it plainly: AI has become the core driver of Baidu.

The engine behind the quarter was AI Cloud Infrastructure, with revenue reaching RMB 8.8 billion, up 79% year over year, and GPU Cloud revenue climbing 184% over the same period. AI-native Marketing Services brought in RMB 2.3 billion, up 36%, while AI Applications came in at RMB 2.5 billion, roughly flat year over year.

Total revenue came in at RMB 32.1 billion, or approximately $4.65 billion. Net income attributable to Baidu was RMB 3.4 billion, with diluted earnings per ADS of $1.27, or $1.75 on a non-GAAP basis. Operating cash flow remained positive at RMB 2.7 billion, which CFO Haijian He pointed to as a sign of improving operational efficiency.

Apollo Go delivered 3.2 million fully driverless rides in Q1, up more than 120% year over year, with cumulative public rides now exceeding 22 million across 27 cities globally. ERNIE 5.1, launched in May 2026, ranked first among Chinese models on the LMArena text leaderboard and fourth globally.

The 0.81% gain reflects a market that sees Baidu's AI transformation as real but not surprising, with the stock having already appreciated significantly heading into the report.
Baidu and Uber announced a new phase of their global partnership to launch Baidu’s Apollo Go autonomous ride-hailing service in Dubai, in collaboration with Dubai Roads and Transport Authority.

The fully autonomous service is expected to launch within the coming month, initially operating in selected areas of Jumeirah. Rides will be bookable through the Uber app, where users may be matched with an Apollo Go vehicle when selecting UberX, Uber Comfort, or an “Autonomous” option. Fleet operations will be managed by third-party operator New Horizon, with expansion across Dubai dependent on regulatory approvals and operational performance.

The initiative supports Dubai’s strategic objective of making 25% of all transportation trips autonomous by 2030. It also follows earlier announcements to expand Apollo Go to London and the opening of Apollo Go Park in Dubai, Baidu’s first overseas operations and management hub.

Apollo Go is one of the world’s largest autonomous ride-hailing services, with more than 240 million autonomous kilometers logged globally, over 140 million of which were completed in fully driverless mode. The service operates across 22 cities, exceeds 250,000 weekly rides, and has completed more than 17 million cumulative trips as of late 2025.

Source: Business Wire
Baidu Stock Surges ~12% on AI Chip Spin-Off and Analyst Support

Shares of Baidu climbed sharply today, rising around 12% as investors welcomed major strategic developments tied to the company’s artificial-intelligence business. According to Investors*com, Baidu’s jump was triggered by news that its AI chip unit Kunlunxin has filed confidentially for an IPO on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, a move seen as unlocking standalone value for the fast-growing chip division.

The proposed spin-off drew strong market interest because it aligns with China’s broader push to strengthen domestic semiconductor capabilities amid ongoing U.S. export restrictions on advanced chips, Reuters reported today. The IPO-related optimism boosted demand for Chinese tech shares overall, with Baidu leading gains among U.S.-listed Chinese stocks.

Analyst support added to the positive momentum. According to Investing*com, Jefferies raised its price target on Baidu to $181 from $159 while maintaining a Buy rating, citing the spin-off as a catalyst that could enhance investor focus on both Baidu and Kunlunxin’s growth potential.
Baidu and Uber Partner to Launch Autonomous Rides Outside U.S. and China

Baidu and Uber have announced a multi-year strategic partnership to deploy Baidu’s Apollo Go autonomous vehicles on the Uber platform in global markets outside the U.S. and mainland China. Initial launches are expected later this year in Asia and the Middle East. Apollo Go, with over 1,000 driverless vehicles and 11 million public rides to date, will help Uber expand its affordable and reliable ride options. The partnership leverages Baidu’s autonomous tech and Uber’s vast mobility network to scale AV adoption worldwide.
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01-13-26European Investor