滴滴自动驾驶：多维度发力，迈入爆发前夜

Core Insights - Didi Autonomous Driving showcased its new generation L4 level mass-production vehicle and advanced technology at the 17th International Transportation Technology and Equipment Exhibition, highlighting its commitment to innovation and scalable deployment in the autonomous driving sector [1][3] Development History - Didi began its autonomous driving technology layout in 2016, led by co-founder Zhang Bo, focusing on L4 level systems. In August 2019, Didi upgraded its autonomous driving business to an independent company, marking a shift towards specialized operations [3] - The company achieved a significant milestone in 2020 by publicly launching autonomous driving services in Shanghai, transitioning from laboratory testing to real-world applications, which provided valuable experience for the Robotaxi business model [3] Strategic Partnerships - Didi Autonomous Driving formed a joint venture with GAC Aion on April 7, 2024, named Guangzhou Andi Technology, aimed at accelerating the commercialization and scaling of autonomous driving [3] - A strategic cooperation framework agreement was signed between Didi and the Guangzhou government on June 23, 2023, to deepen collaboration in autonomous driving and smart transportation, leveraging Guangzhou's favorable policy environment for testing and technology iteration [8] Operational Performance - The Robotaxi fleet has been operating stably in cities like Beijing, Guangzhou, and Shanghai for several years, achieving over 1,800 days without major safety incidents, which establishes a solid foundation for expanding operations into more cities [5] - Didi's Robotaxi received international attention, with Singapore's Deputy Transport Minister experiencing a test ride, which showcased the vehicle's smooth operation and efficient system response [5] Financial Outlook - Since becoming independent, Didi Autonomous Driving has completed multiple funding rounds, raising over $1.55 billion (approximately 11.26 billion RMB) by October 2024, with potential new funding discussions that could elevate its post-investment valuation to $5 billion (approximately 36.3 billion RMB) [6] Future Prospects - Didi is accelerating its transition from technology validation to city-level deployment, with plans to expedite Robotaxi deployment within the year, marking the beginning of large-scale commercialization [10] - The company is positioned to capitalize on its accumulated strengths in product development, platform capabilities, algorithms, and user operations, indicating a promising future in the autonomous driving market [10]