Chinese ride-hailing giant DiDi Global showed off a robotaxi concept car it called DiDi Neuron during a company event broadcast online yesterday hot on the heels of Geely's (0175) electric vehicle makers Zeekr launching its pure electric sport utility vehicle.
The DiDi Neuron has robotic arms that can help passengers pick up luggage. The blue and white vehicle had no driver's seat, maximizing space for passengers.
"We hope they can enter DiDi's network and provide services by 2025," DiDi Autonomous Driving chief operating officer Meng Xing said at a company event that was livestreamed online.
DiDi also announced a lidar sensor and a car computing device at the event, which showcased DiDi's most significant developments for its autonomous driving plan in years as it looks to make progress after almost two years of regulatory troubles.
Meanwhile, with a starting price of 189,800 yuan (HK$216,628) in China, the Zeekr X offers features such as facial recognition to unlock the car and an option for an in-vehicle refrigerator, chief executive Andy An said.
The company will start delivering the Zeekr X in China from June with a target of delivering 40,000 this year, An said.
Zeekr and DiDi's event to launch the new models took place ahead of the Auto Shanghai show, scheduled for April 18-27, where automakers such as Chinese brand Nio and Germany's BMW are expected to show off their latest models.
The DiDi Neuron will pick up your luggage. Reuters
