DiDi Global Inc., through its autonomous driving arm, has entered into a joint venture with GAC Aion to develop and deploy a new-generation Robotaxi, the R2. This partnership marks the first time in China that a Robotaxi model has been launched through a joint venture between an autonomous driving company and an automaker. Since their collaboration began in April 2024, DiDi Autonomous Driving and GAC Aion have focused on user-centered development and comprehensive testing. The two companies plan to further cooperate on life-cycle management, scenario expansion, and product iterations, with large-scale demonstration applications of the autonomous fleet set to begin in cities such as Guangzhou and Beijing in 2026. This alliance aims to advance the mass production and application of autonomous driving technologies, supporting the development of China’s intelligent connected vehicle industry and expanding the country’s expertise to global markets.

Disclaimer: This news brief was created by Public Technologies (PUBT) using generative artificial intelligence. While PUBT strives to provide accurate and timely information, this AI-generated content is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as financial, investment, or legal advice. DiDi Global Inc. published the original content used to generate this news brief on January 23, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained therein.