SAIC Trials Its Car-Hailing Platform
Tang Shihua
DATE:  Nov 20 2018
/ SOURCE:  yicai
SAIC Trials Its Car-Hailing Platform SAIC Trials Its Car-Hailing Platform

(Yicai Global) Nov. 19 -- A car-hailing platform backed by Chinese state carmaker Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation started trial operations yesterday.

Called Xiangdao Chuxing, the platform will be available to SAIC employees and the company's industry chain before being rolled out to other users, state-backed The Paper reported. Service and operations will be tested and optimized during the trial period.

SAIC is not the first automaker to break into the car-hailing market. Zhejiang Geely Holding Group invested in Cao Cao, which launched its service in 2015.

Xiangdao Chuxing will give full play to SAIC's technological advantages in intelligent network connection to provide users with smart, safe and high-quality travel services, the report cited SAIC President Chen Zhixin as saying at the platform's opening ceremony.

"We want to use emerging technologies such as new energy, intelligent network, big data, and cloud computing to meet users' travel demands," Chen said.

Judging by its pricing and service, Xiangdao Chuxing is closer to a tailored taxi service. Passengers can access a wireless network, enjoy bottled water, cleaning bags and other necessities. Its unit mileage charge is higher than that of normal car service provider Didi Express and lower than the tailored service offered by Didi Premier, two brands run by the world's leading mobile transportation platform Didi Chuxing, the report added.

SAIC will use cars provided by taxi and car rental firms that meet local operating standards. Drivers will be subject to strict background checks, and will be given safety and service standards training before being hired.

Editor: Bivash

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Keywords:   Online Car-hailing Service,SAIC Group