Didi deepens partnership with Renrenche for expansion in auto trading business

Ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing has inked a strategic partnership with Chinese online used-car trading marketplace Renrenche to offer comprehensive solutions for vehicle supply and maintenance services.

The move comes five months after the on-demand car company invested a hefty $200 million in Renrenche, a classified site that allows car owners to sell directly to other consumers. The four-year-old company covers over 100 Chinese cities.

In addition to used-car trading, the partnership will also bring the duo to new car trading and after-sales business. This year, Didi’s after-sales unit plans to set up car maintenance stores across the country where Renrenche users will be supported as well.

“Creating a one-stop platform for passengers and drivers is the top priority for Didi,” said Didi CEO Cheng Wei. “Didi looks to build a close long-term partnership with Renrenche,” Didi spokesperson told TechNode.

Didi is well on its way to expand beyond core business in ride hailing to all smart transportation-related services in a bit to create new growth momentums. The partnership with Renrenche reveals its greater auto ambition and the logic behind this tie-up is a no brainer–Renrenche’s auto resources could easily lower the operation costs for Didi drivers by giving easy access to a quality vehicle supply.

Under the same initiative, Didi is partnering with automakers to build a car-sharing platform and has expanded to charging and gas business. Gas business is now profitable, according to a spokesperson from the firm. Other sectors the company is looking at include autonomous driving, bike rental, and auto financing.