Daimler, Geely ride-hailing JV in China

  • December 5, 2019
  • imc

Daimler Mobility and Chinese firm Geely Technology have launched a ride hailing joint venture in the Chinese city of Hangzhou. The new venture is named StarRides, which will start operations in Hangzhou in December 2019. The service will launch with  a fleet of 100 vehicles including Mercedes-Benz S-Class, E-Class and V-Class vehicles. StarRides plans to expand to other major cities in China starting in 2020.

Both companies have cooperated in developing the software infrastructure for the new service, which they have been working on since October 2018.

A joint board of directors includes Liu Jin Liang, CEO of Geely Technology Group, and Joerg Lamparter, member of the Board of Management of Daimler Mobility AG. Tom Gu joined StarRides on September 1, 2019 as Chief Executive Officer, leading a staff of 80 employees.

StarRides has adopted a brand slogan: “The Best in Motion”. Customers can download the StarRides App in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The “mobility chauffeurs” of StarRides are trained by chauffeur trainers, and are licensed for online ride-hailing services. Drivers will be uniformly and neatly dressed, and some can speak English as well as Chinese for international customers.

Daimler AG and Geely Holding are also establishing a 50-50 globally focused joint venture to own, operate and further develop smart as a leader in premium-electrified vehicles.

Joerg Lamparter, board member Daimler Mobility AG for Digital & Mobility Solutions, said: “Premium ride-hailing is an essential element in our mobility ecosystem ranging from multi-year financing contracts to flexible leasing, car rental and subscription models to on-demand mobility. With Geely Technology Group, we have found an excellent partner to expand our mobility ecosystem in China. StarRides will play a significant role in addressing customer needs in the premium ride-hailing segment and solidifying our strong position in the mobility market.”

Liu Jin Liang, CEO of Geely Technology Group, said: “We are proud to launch China’s first premium ride-hailing services in Hangzhou, the city where Geely Holding is based – and a city that is home to companies pioneering technology innovation in this country. StarRides is the latest symbol of our cooperation with Daimler, which we expect to create win-win opportunities for both companies. It also reflects Geely Holding’s continued transformation as a mobility and transport technology company.”