Toyota has announced that it will invest $600 million into Chinese DiDi ride-hailing company and a joint venture it will establish with it and GAC Toyota Motor Co.
The Japanese car manufacturer first announced a partnership with DiDi in January 2018 ,when it was announced that the two would collaborate on services using technology from Toyota for its mobility and vehicle-sharing platform, including the e-Palette.
In the latest press release, Toyota says it will look to create “more-efficient and high-quality ride-hailing businesses” and will collaborate “to expand the various connected services provided by MSPF [its Mobility Services Platform] in its value chain including vehicle management, maintenance, insurance, and financing for customers and drivers to realize the high potential of the MaaS [Mobility as a Service] market in China.”
“I am delighted that we are strengthening our collaboration, which utilizes Toyota’s connected technologies and next-generation BEVs, with DiDi, China’s mobility service market leader,” Toyota executive vice president responsible for the connected area, Shigeki Tomoyama said. “Looking ahead, we will work with DiDi to develop services that are more attractive, safe, and secure for our customers in China.”
“DiDi is committed to help our cities achieve new energy and smart transportation goals with partners from home and abroad,” added senior vice president of DiDi Stephen Zhu. “We look forward to combining DiDi’s expertise in AI-based large-scale mobility operations and Toyota’s leading connected vehicle technology to build a next-generation intelligent transportation framework for sustainable cities.”
DiDi has forged partnerships with a number of other car manufacturers, including Volkswagen, Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi, FAW, Dongfeng, and GAC.