Core Viewpoint - Didi Autonomous Driving has secured a Series D funding round totaling 2 billion yuan, aimed at enhancing AI research and advancing L4-level autonomous driving applications [1][2][3] Funding and Investment - The funding round includes investments from various entities such as Zhongguancun Science City Technology Growth Fund, Beijing Information Industry Development Investment Fund, Beijing Artificial Intelligence Industry Investment Fund, GAC Group, Guangzhou Guanghua Fund, and Didi itself [2] - The capital raised will be directed towards increasing investment in AI research and facilitating the implementation of L4-level autonomous driving [3] Autonomous Driving Development - The autonomous driving sector is experiencing rapid growth, with companies like Enjoy Travel and Ruqi Mobility accelerating their efforts in the L4-level autonomous driving field [3][13] - Didi's next-generation pre-installed autonomous vehicle is scheduled for delivery by the end of 2025, marking a significant milestone in the company's autonomous driving ambitions [4][10] - Didi has been actively testing autonomous vehicles on public roads in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou, Hefei, and Guangzhou, having obtained the necessary permits [6][9] Technological Advancements - Didi's autonomous driving division has adopted an innovative mixed dispatch model, integrating autonomous taxi services into the Didi app, which is expected to expedite the rollout of L4-level autonomous driving technology [7] - The company has launched a 24-hour autonomous driving operation and maintenance center, enhancing the safety and efficiency of its autonomous driving services [11] Industry Trends - The autonomous taxi sector is moving towards large-scale commercialization, with various players like Pony.ai, WeRide, and Baidu's Apollo actively pursuing scaled operations [17] - The industry is transitioning from a phase characterized by technology validation and pilot commercialization to one focused on large-scale development [17] - Companies in the mobility sector are increasingly recognizing the necessity of advancing towards autonomous taxi services, with 2025 anticipated to be a pivotal year for mass production and commercialization [16]