Didi Chuxing or branded as “DiDi” has launched its ride-hailing services in Russia, its first Eurasian market.

The launch of DiDi Express in Kazan, the capital and largest city of the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia is a new milestone in the company’s global expansion. DiDi already operates mobility, food and delivery services in Australia, Japan, Brazil, Mexico, Costa Rica, Chile, Colombia and Panama.

International business is a pillar in DiDi’s “0188” three-year growth strategy, as announced by Cheng Wei, DiDi’s founder and CEO, in April 2020. The number “0” signifies that safety is a priority, as DiDi will continue to strive for a future without major safety and security incidents. The other three numbers, “188”, represent completing more than 100 million daily trips globally; achieving an 8% penetration rate in China’s mobility market; and reaching 800 million monthly active users globally.

Tatarstan is home to Russia’s largest IT park and has one of the strongest pro-innovation development agenda in the Russia Federation. Operating as a wholly-owned subsidiary, DiDi Russia will leverage DiDi’s global tech strengths and safety expertise to bring localized products, comprehensive safety and health features and 24/7 human support to meet the needs of Russian users, drivers and fleets. The company intends to commit long-term investments to provide drivers with a competitive and transparent service fee structure, and riders with safe, value-for-money, and convenient mobility services. Driver recruitment began in late July and has been well received by the local driver community.

“We look forward to building a broad partnership with Russian fleet partners and drivers to providing better, safer and more convenient services to the public,” said Stephen Zhu, Senior Vice President and Head of DiDi’s International Business. “We are deeply inspired by the resilience of cities and the effective anti-COVID work of all dedicated DiDi teams and partners around the world. This experience is invaluable as we pursue new opportunities and support communities in rebuilding their economy with better and safer transportation services.”

Since February 2020, DiDi has innovated a full range of its anti-COVID experience from China to its global markets with strong positive results. As its worst-hit and earliest-recovered market, DiDi China’s business rebounded to its pre-COVID level in July 2020.