Didi to Form JVs with Volkswagen and Other Car Makers as Part of D-Alliance

On the evening of April 30, in response to the rumor of a new joint venture with Volkswagen, Didi Chuxing confirmed that it is in discussions with Volkswagen, Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co. (BAIC Group), First Auto Works Group Corporation (FAW Group), Guangzhou Automobile Industry Group (GAC Group) and other automobile companies. However, the details are not yet confirmed.

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According to Reuters, Volkswagen and Didi are in talks to form a joint venture. Didi’s response is that they are exploring partnerships with Volkswagen and others in the automobile industry as part of the DiDi Auto Alliance (D-Alliance). Collaborations may include co-managing fleets and potentially designing specialized new energy vehicles for ride-sharing in the future, but no details have been confirmed.

Earlier in April, Didi just announced the establishment of D-alliance, an alliances with 31 companies in the automotive industry, including BAIC Group, FAW Group, GAC Group, BYD Company and CHJ Automotive, to build a platform for auto operations. Didi will open up their services including ride-hailing, car-sharing, car customization, smart driving and aftermarket services. Didi will also join hands with automobile companies to define and develop ride-sharing vehicles in the future. DiDi also announced the D1, the first generation of smart vehicles designed for ride-sharing at the D-alliance press conference.

Didi Chuxing has previously announced a strategic partnership with CHJ Automotive. The two parties will form a joint venture and set up teams to customize and produce smart electric vehicles for ride-sharing. Insiders say that the partnership between Didi and Volkswagen is not exclusive, but will be similar to its collaboration with CHJ Automotive.