Chinese rideshare company DiDi Chuxing announces Australian launch

SYDNEY - Chinese rideshare giant DiDi Chuxing announced on Friday that it will officially launch its mobile transportation platform in Melbourne on June 25 after a successful month-long trial in the nearby city of Geelong.

Already operating with 550 million users in over 1,000 cities in China and Mexico, the technology-focused company has around 21 million drivers and conducts over 30 million rides each day.

"Australia has diversified mobility needs, a business-friendly environment and an inclusive culture," the company said in a statement.

"DiDi plans to introduce safer, more efficient and environmentally-friendly functions to cater to Australian needs through daily operation in the market."

Offering a series of welcome packages to both drivers and riders, Didi's search to find drivers in Melbourne began in June and has so far been met with "warm responses."

Despite a number of other players in the crowded rideshare space, the Chinese giant will be the first to pioneer a unique range of safety features in order to vet drivers and protect passengers.

This move will include greater privacy protocols, a 24-hour emergency phone support hotline and a platform for riders to share their transport itinerary information with emergency contacts and family.

Operating locally as a wholly-owned Australian subsidiary, DiDi said it is their mission to improve the world's transportation experience with AI technology.

"DiDi wishes to contribute to the growth of Australia as a long-term investor and business partner by offering affordable, reliable and convenient mobility options and income-generating opportunities," the statement said.

"DiDi also looks forward to building public-private partnerships on smart transportation solutions to achieve sustainability goals for cities around the world."