The Franco-Japanese strategic alliance of Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi has apparently declared that it has become one of the partners in the DiDi Auto Alliance. Incidentally, this alliance has been formed by DiDi Chuxing, the reputed China-based ride-sharing and autonomous tech firm. The D-Alliance seems to be intent on exploring any future business collaborations via an electric vehicle sharing program that is expected across China in the near future.
Reportedly, this joint venture may introduce twelve pure electric car models across the globe and will utilize common EV tools & technology. The deal will also be launching forty vehicles across the globe with self-driving technology while offering the facilities of robot-vehicle ride hailing services to the customers.
Sources state that the D-Alliance is also responsible for forming Alliance Ventures, a new corporate venture capital fund that is likely to invest nearly USD 1 billion in order to encourage open innovation for the next half a decade. For the record, the prominent power trio – Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi had already signed a MoU with DiDi in February for exploring new opportunities across the electric car-sharing business in China. It has been speculated that the agreement will help the alliance in exploring new mobility solutions along with the introduction of robot-vehicle ride-sharing activities.
Ogi Redzic, Senior VP of connected Vehicles & Mobility services at Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi, has apparently stated that China is a key business destination for the alliance and the trio is trying to team up with regional ride sharing firms such as DiDi to improve the transport infrastructure in the country. According to Cheng Wei, the CEO of DiDi, the company will contribute toward the alliance in various activities including leasing of vehicles, sales, automobile service, car-sharing activities, vehicle finance, and fleet operations. He further added that the main aim of the car-sharing firm is to create value for its business partners, customers, and the community.
