Baidu is set to roll out its autonomous robotaxis in Europe starting 2026 through a new partnership with United States ride-hailing company Lyft, marking a major step in the Chinese tech giant’s global expansion plans for self-driving vehicles.

The initial deployment will begin in the United Kingdom and Germany, with both companies targeting a fleet of “thousands” of robotaxis across the continent in the coming years, according to a joint statement released Monday.

The announcement comes shortly after Lyft finalized its acquisition of Germany-based ride-hailing platform FreeNow, expanding its footprint to over 150 cities in nine European countries, including France, Ireland, and the U.K.

The companies said the launch remains subject to regulatory approval.

It is yet to be confirmed whether the robotaxis will be offered through the FreeNow app or a separate platform.

The deal with Baidu could give Lyft a strategic advantage in Europe, setting it apart from rivals like Uber and Bolt as it works to establish a stronger foothold in the region.