China's main search engine Baidu is determined to bring China's automobile industry to lead the driverless car era. Baidu's senior vice president Wang Jing believes that the company will have a competitive advantage in the Asian markets over other automakers because of local knowledge of road conditions.
Wang stated Baidu's advantage on the new upcoming automotive age, as reported by Bloomberg. "Chinese car makers started making cars 100 years after others and a lot of the core technology aren't in Chinese hands, such as engines. With electric cars, with intelligent cars, the core technology shifts from the engine and gearbox to artificial intelligence and that's an area where China is very close to the U.S, giving China the chance to catch up and seize leadership."
Wang also thinks that Baidu can improve its expertise in artificial intelligence, data mapping and internet connectivity to lead the autonomous driving technology. However, Cao He, an analyst for Beijing Minzu Security, noted that there is still a long way ahead for companies trying to mass produce autonomous driving cars, including Baidu. This is due to the wide diversity of road conditions from one place to another. "It is unlikely for any company to come up with a sizeable industry operation within five years," he stated.
Baidu's mission to dominate autonomous car market aligns with the view of the Chinese government, especially President Xi Jinping, who sees digital technology as an opportunity for China to become more innovative. President Xi Jinping also approved the idea of Baidu entering the autonomous car development.
Business Recorder reported that the autonomous car market is already crowded with big names. Google is the one who initiated the development of autonomous cars in 2009. Google is even planning to make its autonomous car development a stand-alone business.
Besides Google, Tesla Motors already stated this year that within two years, customers will be able to enjoy autonomous cars in a Los Angeles to New York trip. Other big companies such as General Motors and Ford are also pursuing to acquire the similar technology.
China Business News reported that they believe Baidu has got the financial potential as well as a strong market capitalization of 59.16 billion. That forte has made it possible for them to confidently enter the automobile industry, including electric vehicles, car-pooling and self-driving cars.
Baidu's senior vice president Wang Jing is optimistic that China, especially his company, can take advantage of their strengths and local knowledge to develop dependable autonomous cars. The initial study and development have already begun and the company will keep on moving forward in the driverless markets.
Autonomous Cars: China's Search Engine Baidu is Determined to Enter the Markets
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