Chinese Uber Rival Didi Chuxing Launches English Language App
Could this be a sign of a more serious attempt at global expansion?
Chinese ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing just released an English version of its app, according to CNN. And it might be cause for Uber to worry.
According to CNN's report, the app is currently being beta tested and at the moment, can only be used in three cities—Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.
Interestingly enough, he app will also now act as a translator for non-Chinese-speaking users, enabling easier communicaton between them and the driver.
In 2016, Uber's Chinese operations were bought out by Didi following a fierce period of competition between the two companies. That appeared to put an end to the rivalry between the two ride-hailing tech companies, but recently, Didi has been working to get more investment rounds in—a move that could be seen as attempting to fund an expansion of operations globally.
If Didi does attempt to grow around the world, it could reignite the fight it once had with Uber in China. And an English language version of its app would likely be an early step to making that happen.