Deeproute.ai, the Alibaba-backed autonomous driving startup, is gearing up for European expansion, with plans to establish a strategic operations center in Germany by 2024. This move aligns with Deeproute.ai's mission to revolutionize autonomous driving technology and engage more closely with leading European automakers.
At the recent International Motor Show Germany in Munich, Deeproute.ai announced its intention to enter the German market, bringing its cutting-edge autonomous driving solution, Drive 3.0, to the forefront. This solution, developed without relying on high-definition maps, includes advanced features like valet park assist and is made accessible through partnerships with competitive Chinese lidar suppliers, offering hardware at an attractive price point of $2,000.
The system also leverages Nvidia's Drive Orin system-on-a-chip, enhancing its capabilities and further establishing Deeproute.ai's position in the autonomous driving sector.
Deeproute.ai's strategic move to Germany mirrors a growing trend among Chinese mobility startups expanding into European markets. This proximity to well-established European automakers opens up collaborative opportunities and advancements in the automotive industry.
Rival company Momenta set up an office in Stuttgart two years ago, facilitating connections with major investors like Mercedes-Benz. Similarly, Nio, a prominent Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer, established an innovation center in Berlin and a design facility in Munich. These initiatives have strengthened partnerships with European counterparts, including Mercedes-Benz, and bolstered their regional presence.
Deeproute.ai aims to expand its customer base among OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) in Germany, building on existing partnerships with Seres and Geely.
Founded in Shenzhen in 2019 by Maxwell Zhou, who holds a Doctorate degree in Artificial Intelligence, Deeproute.ai initially focused on Level 4 driverless technologies for robo-taxis. The company has since diversified its focus to offer solutions catering to auto partners seeking less advanced driving technologies. This strategic pivot allows Deeproute.ai to generate immediate cash flow and collaborate with industry leaders on mass production projects.
With an impressive track record of providing over 800,000 passenger rides through its fleet of robo-taxis in major Chinese cities by the end of 2022, Deeproute.ai has secured $350 million in total funding and expanded its workforce to over 500 employees worldwide. This move into the European market signifies a significant step forward in its global expansion journey.
