Baidu, Softbank to Develop Self-Driving Minibuses for Japan Market
Xu Wei
DATE:  Jul 05 2018
/ SOURCE:  Yicai
Baidu, Softbank to Develop Self-Driving Minibuses for Japan Market Baidu, Softbank to Develop Self-Driving Minibuses for Japan Market

(Yicai Global) July 5 -- Baidu's Japanese unit and Softbank Group have entered into a partnership with a Chinese manufacturer for the development of autonomous driving minibuses with a view to rolling them out in Japan.

King Long United Automotive will work with Baidu Japan and Softbank Drive and to supply a batch of its Apolong NEV buses for the Japanese market by the end of the year, the Xiamen-based company said in a statement.

King Long has long worked with Baidu on the development of the Apolong, which is currently in the promotion stage in China with a launch expected this year. Shares in the firm hit the daily limit up yesterday closing at CNY13.20 (USD 1.99) yesterday following the news.

Founded in April 2016, Softbank Drive is a joint venture between Softbank and Advanced Smart Mobility, which develops autonomous driving technology, with the aim of commercializing smart travel. Yahoo Japan came on board the firm last year to work on capital operations. The company has agreed to cooperate with four Japanese cities so far, including Kitakyushu and Hamamatsu.

Editor: William Clegg

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Keywords:   Japan,Xiamen King Long Motor Group,Baidu,SB Drive