China’s ride-hailing firm Didi wants to develop ‘purpose-built’ cars with automakers

The logo of Chinese ride-hailing firm Didi Chuxing is seen at their new drivers center in Toluca, Mexico, April 23, 2018. REUTERS/Carlos Jasso

BEIJING/DETROIT: Chinese ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing is exploring ways of collaborating with established automakers and parts suppliers to jointly develop cars purpose-built for its services, the company said on April 24.

Pay-per-use services such as car-sharing and ride-hailing are starting to challenge traditional car ownership in some in some of China's most congested cities, such as Beijing and Shanghai, while global automakers are starting to bill themselves as “mobility” companies that do more than just build and sell vehicles.