Chinese chauffeur-driven ride-hailing platform Caocao launches trial service in Paris as rivalry heats up at home

In France, user penetration for ride-hailing services is forecast to be 12.3% this year, growing to 16.2% by 2023. — SCMP

The chauffeur-driven ride-hailing platform of Chinese carmaker Zhejiang Geely kicked off a trial service in Paris on Jan 2, its first move into overseas markets as competition at home intensifies.

Caocao Zhuanche said in a post on the company’s official WeChat account that it will use The Electric Taxi, a battery-powered vehicle produced by Geely subsidiary London Electric Vehicle Company, to offer services in Paris. Drivers will be required to hold the French licence for chauffeur driven cars, known as VTC, or Voiture de Tourisme avec Chauffeur, and will receive training on security and etiquette.