Didi Auto Alliance, the ride-sharing alliance, is partnering with major players in the automotive industry to promote new energy solutions in the automotive industry and consequently improve smart mobility in China.

Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi, the world’s leading automotive alliance, today announced it is one of the partners of Didi Auto Alliance (the D-Alliance or Alliance), which was formed by Didi Chuxing (‘DiDi’), the top Chinese mobile transportation platform.

The Didi Auto Alliance is an intelligent ride-sharing alliance initiated by Didi. By promoting the new energy automotive industry with partners along the value chain, it aims to unite all members to transform the business model of the automotive industry and establish itself as the world’s largest full-capacity vehicle operator platform.

Ogi Redzic, senior vice-president of Connected Vehicles and Mobility Services for Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi, said, “We share a common vision with Didi in our pursuit of clean, safe mobility for all. China is a key market for Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi and we plan to work in close partnership with market leaders like Didi to shape the future of smart mobility in China.”

Cheng Wei, founder and CEO of Didi, said, “We will empower our partners by providing collaboration aspects ranging from auto leasing and sales, auto finance, auto service, a fleet operation to car-sharing solutions. The goal is to create more value for our partners, user community, and the society. ”

Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi signed an MoU with Didi in February to explore the possibility of future business cooperation on a new electric vehicle car-sharing program in China. The MoU is in line with the exploration of new mobility services at the Alliance, including the launch of robo-vehicle ride-hailing services, as part of the Alliance 2022 strategic midterm plan launched last year by Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi.

The Alliance says it is accelerating convergence and synergy initiatives in a range of new automotive technologies. By the end of its strategic plan, the Alliance will launch 12 pure electric models worldwide, utilising common EV platforms and components, while also bringing to market 40 vehicles worldwide with autonomous drive technology and developing robo-vehicle ride-hailing services.

To support this plan, the Alliance also launched Alliance Ventures, a new corporate venture capital fund that plans to invest up to $1 billion (Rs 6,634 crore) to support open innovation over the next five years.

Groupe Renault, Nissan Motor Company and Mitsubishi Motors have strategic collaborations with other automotive groups, including Germany’s Daimler and China’s Dongfeng.