NXP Semiconductors (Nasdaq: NXPI), the world's leading supplier of automotive semiconductors, has officially joined Baidu's Apollo open platform as a strategic partner. This collaboration was formalized through a memorandum of understanding signed in July, marking a significant step in the development of autonomous driving and intelligent connected vehicle technologies. The partnership aims to combine NXP’s advanced hardware solutions with Baidu’s cutting-edge autopilot systems, delivering secure, reliable, and comprehensive solutions for self-driving vehicles, intelligent networking, and in-vehicle information security.
The Apollo Open Platform is designed to offer an open, secure, and complete ecosystem for automakers and tech companies working on autonomous driving. Through this alliance, NXP and Baidu will jointly develop assisted driving and fully autonomous solutions, integrating artificial intelligence algorithms with high-performance hardware platforms. This collaboration is expected to build a new intelligent mobility industry chain and accelerate the adoption of smart vehicle technologies across the automotive sector.
NXP will provide Baidu with a range of semiconductor products tailored for autonomous driving, including millimeter-wave radar, V2X communication systems, cybersecurity solutions, and in-vehicle infotainment systems. Additionally, both companies will work together on sensor fusion solutions using Baidu’s Bluebox development platform, which is optimized for low power consumption and high security. They will also evaluate deep learning performance on NXP’s high-performance processors and integrate Apollo’s small-scale vehicle connectivity solutions into NXP’s automotive chips, ultimately reducing development time and speeding up product deployment.
Kurt Sievers, NXP’s Global Executive Vice President and Head of the Automotive Division, emphasized the importance of this partnership, stating that China has become a global leader in autonomous driving due to strong government support and rapid innovation by local automakers. “Baidu is a key player in building an open ecosystem for autonomous driving, while NXP brings world-class technology and experience in automotive electronics. We are excited to collaborate and drive the next wave of innovation in the automotive industry,†he said.
Li Zhenyu, General Manager of Baidu’s Autonomous Driving Business Group, added that NXP’s leadership in automotive information security and smart connected vehicle semiconductors makes it a valuable partner. “This collaboration will significantly enhance the practical implementation of Baidu’s autonomous driving and intelligent networking technologies. By combining NXP’s resources and expertise, we aim to accelerate the transformation of the automotive industry and create a thriving smart mobility ecosystem,†he said.
According to a report by China Investment Consulting, the Chinese auto market is projected to reach 32.12 million units in 2020, with about 15% of new vehicles featuring smart driving capabilities. The smart driving market is expected to exceed 100 billion yuan. As a global leader in safe and connected vehicles, NXP brings over 60 years of experience and a robust ecosystem. In China, the company has partnered with major automakers like Geely, Changan, and Guangzhou Automobile Group, supporting the country’s push toward smart transportation and automotive innovation.
Cixi Xinke Electronic Technology Co., Ltd. , https://www.cxxinke.com