Beijing (ZXZC)- Baidu has integrated its Maps business to its IDG (intelligent driving group) business cluster to strengthen its automotive business development, a local media outlet reported on May 24th.

Apollo Moon ARCFOX vehicle; photo credit: Baidu

Several insiders disclosed that Baidu Maps’ over a dozen of sub-operations, and nearly one thousand employees almost all transferred to the IDG, even the design department.  

Baidu responded to the media outlet that Baidu Maps holds tremendous resources and capabilities in user service interface and high-precision maps, while Baidu’s Apollo Go Robotaxi operation provides intelligent services. The integration of each’s resources is a win-win situation for both sectors, helping Baidu achieve its strategic goals.

In fact, the adjustment is not unpredicted within the map industry. Industry veterans generally believe that the auto industry is one way to give full play to the mapping services’ profitability, whether through ride-sharing service or onboard maps service.

Currently, Baidu’s IDG has several main operations, including automaker-oriented intelligent driving and intelligent cockpit business, L4 Robotaxi, automotive cloud, smart transportation (C-V2X, driverless buses), all of which need maps as backbones.

The conglomerate’s main investment focus lies in intelligent driving, especially auto making and Robotaxis. Baidu’s CEO, Robin Li, even put down the targeted preorder volume of JIDU in his annual OKR plan.