Developed with BYD Company Limited, the D1 cars will start rolling out to Didi’s leasing partners in major Chinese cities in the coming months.
In June, Chinese ride-hailing group Didi Chuxing launched a fleet of autonomous ride-hailing vehicles in Shanghai.
The move comes as the company takes on multiple growth initiatives during China’s post-COVID 19 recovery.
The company said that due to COVID-19, cabs are are needed more than ever for leisure and commuting.
In the city that was the epicenter for the coronavirus pandemic, auto sales are expected to rebound to year-over-year parity by the end of April, the Reuters report states.
China Auto Rental Inc. (CAR), China’s largest car rental company, has started selling some of its assets to help survive the economic downturn caused by the Coronavirus outbreak.
Traveling through China presents unique challenges for visitors due to regulations restricting tourists from renting cars or driving in the country without a temporary permit issued by the Chinese government.
By joining forces with Xiaoju Car Service, electric vehicle company Xpeng Motors will form a smart mobility ecosystem, including online car rental, charging, and auto maintenance services.
The ride-hailing joint venture will begin operating in Hangzhou, a city of more than 10 million people that is home to leading Chinese companies including Geely Holding, and some of the country’s leading technology businesses.
Shanghai government awarded Didi permits to test its AV fleet on August 28.