​Geely said to launch third-party accessible ride-hailing platform in Chongqing

Beijing (Gasgoo)- Geely Holding is reportedly launching a new online ride-hailing platform to offer its own service as well as service from third-party mobility providers based in Chongqing, a person close to the matter disclosed to a local media outlet.

Photo credit: Geely

Compared to the existing Meituan and AutoNavi ride-hailing platforms, Geely’s new platform, supposedly named “Happiness for All,” is said to adopt a strictly hands-on operation model. Geely will request all third-party participants to possess their own vehicles and maintain drivers on payroll. The auto giant also intends to deepen its bond with the participants through investments.  

Geely Holding has yet to respond to the issue.

Currently, Geely has three mobility services in operation, namely Caocao, Limao, and StarRides. Caocao provides everyday mobility service with Geely vehicles, whereas StarRides offers luxury transit service with its co-owner Daimler’s Mercedes vehicles.

The Limao service is a little different, as it was recently established by Geely and LEVC, the British historical vehicle brand. Notably, LEVC owns the signature British black cab, and the Limao service will adopt the same cab but with an electric twist.

TX vehicle; Limao 

On the other hand, it is generally believed that branching out to ride-hailing services is a logical move for traditional automakers. Through the services, automakers are able to gain access to user habits and road data, which will, in turn, feed back to the company’s auto-making development. With the mobility service experience and data collected, it is also easier for traditional automakers to foray into the autonomous driving field.

Realistically, with ride-hailing services utilizing more vehicles, automakers will benefit from the sales increase.