Shanghai (ZXZC)- Chinese ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing announced on July 10 that it has struck a strategic deal with German automotive supplier Continental AG to jointly research and develop intelligent and connected vehicles (ICV).

Based on Continental AG's advanced products and technologies as well as its rich experience in design and engineering and Didi's practical experience in mobility realm, both parties will conduct cooperation in ICV and purpose-built electric vehicle.

Under the partnership, the German company will offer intelligent-connected in-car terminal products to Didi's new-generation shared cars, which is a milestone for Continental AG to make layouts in the future mobility service area.

“Didi Chuxing will make joint progress with Continental AG under a sharing and sustainable development notion and give full play to its expertise of AI and big data, so as to lead the innovation covering automotive hardware, software and services,” said Yang Jun, vice president of Didi Chuxing.

According to Continental China's Chief Executive Enno Tang, Continental AG has been dedicated to supplying advanced products, technologies and services for the smart and sustainable mobility development. Both companies will work together to propel a deeper integration of intelligent mobility technologies and industry-leading mobility platforms in China and promote a sustainable development for intelligent travelling.

Teaming up with 31 automakers and technology companies, Didi has previously formed an alliance dubbed the Torrent (in Chinese “Hongliu”) to co-build a mobility service platform. Its partners include BAIC Group, Bosch, BYD, CATL, FAW Group, Geely, Volkswagen China and WM Motor, etc.