DiDi Global Inc. is a Chinese technology group specializing in on-demand mobility. Accessible notably through its mobile applications, its platform handles ride bookings, pricing and connections between users and drivers. Its business relies on a balance between geographical coverage, vehicle availability and cost control. The group presents its services and international operations on didiglobal.com.
From Beijing taxis to an international platform
DiDi’s story begins in 2012 with Didi Dache, a taxi-booking application co-founded by Cheng Wei. In 2015, its merger with Kuaidi Dache helps shape China’s smartphone-based vehicle-booking market. The acquisition of Uber’s Chinese operations, announced in 2016, marks another major step in this consolidation.
The group subsequently expands beyond China, particularly into Latin America. In Brazil, it acquires the platform 99 in 2018, which becomes a foothold for its regional presence. This international expansion involves adapting to local travel habits, payment methods and regulatory frameworks.
Its listing on the New York Stock Exchange in 2021 is quickly followed by a Chinese cybersecurity investigation and the removal of its applications from app stores in China. DiDi delists from the New York exchange in 2022. The resumption of new user registrations in China, authorized in 2023, marks a step toward the normalization of its operations.
A business centered on rides, extended through services
Ride-hailing is at the heart of the model. Depending on the market, DiDi also offers taxi bookings, business services and various vehicle categories. Its revenue comes notably from fees and commissions associated with rides. Service quality depends as much on digital tools as on recruiting, retaining and supporting drivers.
Alongside this core business, the group develops complementary services: food delivery in certain countries, financial solutions and vehicle-related services. Charging infrastructure and automotive partnerships also support the electrification of rides. Its mapping, demand forecasting and ride allocation systems aim to reduce waiting times and empty trips.
What next?
DiDi’s trajectory depends on its ability to combine growth, profitability and compliance. Data protection, passenger safety and drivers’ working conditions remain central issues. Internationally, each market entry requires a detailed understanding of competition and regulation.
The group also invests in autonomous driving through its dedicated subsidiary and industry partnerships. Robotaxis offer a potential avenue for development, but their large-scale deployment remains dependent on approvals, technical reliability and operating costs. For DiDi, the challenge is to prepare for this transition without neglecting the day-to-day economics of its platform.