Tesla is partnering with Chinese search giant Baidu to deploy mapping and navigation technology in China, as Elon Musk moves closer to rolling out more advanced driver assistance features in the world’s biggest auto market.
Tesla’s tie-up with Baidu came as Musk made a surprise visit to Beijing on Sunday. Musk met China’s number two leader, Premier Li Qiang, as Tesla contends with declining sales and data security concerns.
With the deal with Baidu, the US electric vehicle maker has cleared an important regulatory hurdle. In order to operate in China, foreign companies are required to use one of about 20 approved Chinese suppliers of mapping and navigation systems for advanced driving, according to a person familiar with the matter.