Chinese mobile transportation platform DiDi Chuxing (DiDi) has repurposed its autonomous driving unit to form an independent company focusing on R&D, product application and business development.
Zhang Bo, DiDi’s current chief technical officer, will head the new autonomous driving company as its CEO. Meng Xing, former executive director at Shunwei China Internet Fund, will become chief operations officer of the company. Jia Zhaoyin and Zheng Jianqiang will lead an autonomous driving R&D team in the USA and China, respectively. All three will report to Zhang Bo.
The new company will continue to invest researching and developing core innovative technologies while deepening collaboration with upstream and downstream auto industry partners. It will also actively explore the promotion of self-driving technologies with transportation authorities.
Cheng Wei, chairman and CEO of DiDi, said, “Autonomous driving will greatly enhance the safety and efficiency of travel, and help cities to be smarter and more sustainable. Technology serves people; in the future, people’s transportation needs in different scenarios will be met by the combination of seamless autonomous driving technology and human driving services that are indispensable for their quality and warmth. Technology will be fully integrated with the ultimate goal of service.”
Bo added, “The new company looks forward to further strategic collaborations with auto makers and industry partners to promote the application of self-driving technologies in people’s everyday lives.”