Didi seeks partnerships as complaints rise

Didi Chuxing has said that it will link its platform with third-party mobility service providers in the near future in the wake of a shortage of vehicles and rising complaints.

Didi said it has reached an agreement with FAW Group Corporation and the Dongfeng Motor Corporation to integrate the two companies' on-demand ride hailing with Didi, following a similar agreement with Guangzhou Automobile Group Co last month.

Didi said it wants to bring together resources to meet demand, but didn't reveal the timetable for the launch of the services.

Didi users will be able to book rides from third-party companies inside the Didi app but it is unclear how they will be priced.

The leading ride-hailing platform has been obliged to get rid of unqualified drivers and vehicles by local transportation authorities. Passengers are now complaining of long waiting times. Operational pressure has climbed due to safety procedures and risk assurance following the murders of two passengers last year. 

The company said in February that it plans to add about 2,500 staff to tackle safety issues and had also sacked about 2,000 staff. 

Didi expects to serve two billion passengers in the next 10 years and seeks to drive the design and manufacture of new energy vehicles that are more suitable for ride-sharing.