Baidu's Apollo Go Secures Level 4 Autonomous Permit in Switzerland — Baidu, Inc.

Event summary

AmiGo, a joint venture between Baidu's Apollo Go and PostBus, received a Level 4 autonomous driving permit from Switzerland's Federal Roads Office (FEDRO) on June 12, 2026.
Open-road trials began on June 1, 2026, covering an 80 km² area in Eastern Switzerland.
Regular fully driverless operations are planned for early 2027, potentially becoming Europe's largest automated public transport service.
Apollo Go's RT6 vehicles, fully electric and equipped with over 30 sensors, will be used for the service.

The big picture

Baidu's expansion into Europe with Level 4 autonomous services marks a significant milestone in the global race for autonomous vehicle dominance. The partnership with PostBus underscores the strategic importance of integrating autonomous mobility into public transport systems, particularly in regions with challenging geographical and regulatory landscapes. This move positions Baidu to compete more directly with other tech giants and traditional automakers vying for leadership in the autonomous vehicle sector.

What we're watching

Regulatory Compliance: Whether Apollo Go can maintain compliance with Switzerland's rigorous safety standards during the transition to fully driverless operations.
Market Expansion: The pace at which Apollo Go can replicate this success in other European markets, given the region's stringent regulatory environment.
Operational Scaling: How Apollo Go will manage the operational complexities of integrating autonomous vehicles into existing public transport networks.