Three months after its acquisition of Uber China, China’s largest ride-hailing app Didi Chuxing is integrating Uber China into its own operations. The big sign is that Didi launched its version of the Uber China app last Friday.
The new Uber China app is essentially a ride-hailing app by Didi, except that the app’s name and a handful of aspects are related to Uber. Apparently, some major changes of the app will greatly impact foreign Uber users. For example:
- The old Uber China app had an English version, but the new one doesn’t have an English option. The old version automatically would set its language to English if your smartphone language is English.
- The new app no longer supports overseas credit cards. Users registered on Uber in other countries can not use Uber China.
- Uber China users registered in China can not use Uber outside China.
As Didi and Uber further integrate their ride-hailing operations, regulations from authorities are imposing an effect on drivers in more cities.
Shenzhen on Wednesday published a draft regulation, setting a cap of three times per day per car for carpooling on ride-hailing apps.
Earlier this month, authorities in Chinese megacities – including Beijing and Shanghai – released draft regulations, imposing strict conditions on ride-hailing platforms, adding new requirements for both cars and drivers. Over 98% of current Didi cars in Shanghai are predicted to be eliminated, according to Chinese tech blog Huxiu.
(Top photo from Baidu Images)