Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ:BIDU) is one of the best rising tech stocks to buy now.
Photo by Samuele Errico Piccarini on Unsplash
A significant escalation in the global race toward autonomous mobility occurred on December 22, 2025, when Uber and Lyft announced partnerships with Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ:BIDU) to launch driverless taxi trials in the UK in 2026. This partnership will see Baidu’s Apollo Go RT6 robotaxis enter London’s ride-hailing networks in 2026. With these rapid developments, the stage will be set for the first head-to-head competition between U.S. and Chinese autonomous driving leaders in a major European capital. This update comes shortly after Alphabet’s Waymo began supervised testing in the city.
The UK’s appeal as a testing ground has grown recently, with the Automated Vehicles Act 2024 clarifying liability by shifting responsibility from passengers to authorized self-driving operators. The region now offers regulatory certainty largely absent across the European Union.
Meanwhile, Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ:BIDU)’s broader autonomous strategy has drawn investor attention, with Citi placing the stock on a 90-day positive catalyst watch on December 8, 2025. The investment bank cited improving disclosure around AI-driven revenues and Ernie model investments as potential value unlocks. Citi reiterated its “Buy” rating on the stock with an $181 price target, citing growing confidence in the company’s outlook after meeting with management.
On December 7, 2025, Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ:BIDU) was one of ARK’s biggest additions, with the investment firm acquiring 119,982 Baidu shares worth $14.24 million. This follows the firm’s cautious stance on Chinese stocks for most of 2025.
Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ:BIDU) provides internet search and online marketing solutions. It is known for the Baidu App, Baidu Search, Baidu Feed, Haokan, Quanmin, Baidu Post Bar, Baidu Knows, and many other products.
While we acknowledge the potential of BIDU as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If you’re looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock.
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Disclosure: None.
