Swedish carmaker Volvo has reportedly signed a joint venture agreement with Beijing-based ride-hailing platform Didi Chuxing Technology Co. to supply cars for the self-driving test fleet of the company.
Sources with knowledge of the matter stated that Didi is expanding its car fleets by teaming up with Volvo, a long-time Uber partner, as autonomous driving gains momentum in China. Didi mentioned that it will use Volvo XC90 SUVs when it launches commercial robotaxi service later.
For the record, Didi began as a ride-sharing app in 2012 and now offers various mobility services like carpooling, ride-hailing, shared bikes and scooters, and taxi-hailing.
It is worth noting that Didi founded a subsidiary for autonomous driving last year, which has raised USD 800 million from investors such as IDG Capital and SoftBank Vision Fund. The subsidiary currently employs over 500 people. The Chinese company is preparing for an IPO with a valuation of about USD 100 billion, sources cited.
Knowledgeable sources stated that with the addition of vehicles from Volvo, Didi will add to its current fleet of over 100 autonomous vehicles in China and the United States, including models from Nissan, BYD, Lincoln, besides Volvo.
Didi claims that its Gemini platform, along with Volvo's backup functions such as steering, braking, and electric power, will eventually enable its robotaxis to operate without safety drivers. Volvo's backup systems will bring the vehicle to a safe stop if any of the primary systems malfunction during a ride.
In another news, Nio and Xpeng, two emerging electric automakers, have entered the race to automate cars, claiming that they, too, will be able to eliminate safety drivers soon.
Moreover, Chinese state-owned enterprise, BAIC Group (Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Co., Ltd.), is incorporating Huawei's smart cockpit and advanced automation system into its new electric passenger cars, gearing up for the competition, cited sources with relevant information.
Source Credit –
https://techcrunch.com/2021/04/19/didi-volvo-autonomous-driving/