Baidu’s operational unit adds automobile electronics, IoV R&D into business scope

Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Beijing Baidu Netcom Technology Co.,Ltd, the major operational unit of Chinese search engine giant Baidu, has added several automobile-related businesses into its business scope registered in China's administrative agency, marking the Internet titan's will to strengthen presence in automotive industry.

A record from the enterprise information query platform TianYanCha, such businesses as the R&D of IoV (Internet of Vehicles) technologies, and the design, R&D and production of automotive electronic products for the first time appeared among the company's multiple operations on October 23.

Founded in June, 2001, Beijing Baidu Netcom Technology Co.,Ltd is 99.5% held by Robin Li, chairman and CEO of Baidu, according to TianYanCha. Baidu's vice president Liang Zhixiang serves as the subsidiary's legal representative.

（Photo source: Baidu's WeChat account)

Speaking of Baidu's deployment in automobile domain, its Apollo autonomous driving platform must occur to you in the first place. Formally launched in 2017, Apollo has quickly built a vast partnership ecosystem, involving mainstream local OEMs like BAIC Motor, BYD, Changan Automobile, Chery and Dongfeng Motor, as well as global automakers and auto parts suppliers such as BMW, Daimler, Ford and Bosch.

（Photo source: Baidu)

Baidu is also an energetic runner in autonomous vehicle road test with the largest number of licenses issued by local governments across China, including Beijing, Pingtan, Chongqing and Changsha.

Earlier this month, Baidu Apollo stretched its reach to Cangzhou, Hebei province with a governmental green light that allowed the company to conduct passenger-carrying self-driving test on public roads. Besides, Baidu was also among three companies who were given in late September the global first batch of commercial licenses for trials of driverless vehicles from Wuhan, the capital of Hubei Province.