(Yicai Global) Dec. 9 -- Chinese car manufacturer Geely Holding Group and German automotive giant Daimler are to extend theirpremium ride-hailing platform Yaochuxing to the cities of Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou early next year, technology online media 36Kr reported, citing an industry insider.

This follows the introduction of the bespoke taxi services in Hangzhou earlier this month. Driven by 'travel chamberlains,' or specially trained drivers for its high-end customers, over 100 Mercedes-Benz S-Class, E-Class, V-Class and other luxury car marques have been deployed.

The platform has large-scale expansion plans for next year, the insider added, but no specific timetable has been set because there are still many procedures that need to be completed. 

Last year, Hangzhou-based Geely acquired a 9.7 percent stake in Daimler for USD9 billion. The two parties announced in October last year that they were to set up an equally owned joint venture in Hangzhou to offer tailored mobility services. 

Gu Tao has been appointed the JV's chief executive officer. He previously served as vice president of international business at Didi Chuxing, China's largest ride-hailing operator. Other members of the core management team are alsoin place, said apublic relations' employee. The chief operating officer is also a former Didi executive and was responsible for its Zhejiang province business.

Unlike high-profile rivals Uber Technologies and Didi Chuxing, Yaochuxing will not be offering subsidies or other large-scale promotions on its debut due to its limited fleet of cars, the PR staffer said.