Baidu plans to deploy autonomous buses within three years

Chinese search giant and online services firm Baidu has announced plans for its new automobile unit to put self-driving buses on Chinese roads within three years and mass-produce them within five years, Reuters reported, citing a spokesman for the company. The new unit also hopes to mass-produce autonomous passenger vehicles within five years as part of a partnership with BMW. The Baidu spokesman declined to give details on potential automaker partners for the bus project or investment amounts for the new unit. Rival Alibaba Group Holdings recently announced plans to launch its first car in collaboration with state-owned SAIC Motor Corp.