Market Chatter: Alphabet's Waymo, Baidu Plan London Robotaxi Launches in 2026

MT Newswires Live01-05

Alphabet's (GOOG, GOOGL) Waymo and China-based Baidu (BIDU), the world's two largest autonomous driving companies, are preparing to deploy robotaxi services in London in 2026, the Financial Times reported Monday.

The companies have accelerated their UK expansion after the UK government announced it would allow commercial trials of driverless car trials starting this spring, the report said.

Waymo has already begun testing self-driving vehicles on London streets, rolling out modified Jaguar models in December, the Financial Times said, while Baidu is expected to introduce its RT6 robotaxis in the city in the coming months, supported by partnerships with US ride-hailing firms Lyft (LIFT) and Uber (UBER).

Other competitors, including Tesla (TSLA) and London-based startup Wayve, are expected to enter the market over time, the report added.

Companies conducting driverless vehicle trials in London must coordinate with the mayor's office, local boroughs, and Transport for London, the FT reported.

Alphabet and Baidu did not immediately respond to MT Newswires' request for comment.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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