Daimler Mobility AG And Geely Technology Group Launch ‘StarRides’ Premium Ride-Hailing Service

Daimler Mobility AG and Geely Technology Group, a subsidiary of Zhejiang Geely Holding Group (Geely Holding) recently launched a premium ride-hailing provider StarRides in China. The first services began in Hangzhou in December and it was launched with a fleet of 100 vehicles which comprised Mercedes-Benz S-Class, E-Class and V-Class vehicles. StarRides will expand to other major cities in China in 2020.

The ride-hailing service that is run jointly by the two companies initially commenced operations in Hangzhou, a city having a population of over 10 million people that serves as the base for several major Chinese companies including Geely Holding and technology businesses like the Alibaba Group and NetEase.

Both Daimler Mobility AG and Geely Technology Group will have equal representation on the board of management of the new ride-hailing service. They worked together to develop the software infrastructure needed to support “StarRides” in China. The members of the joint board of directors include Liu Jin Liang, CEO of Geely Technology Group, and Joerg Lamparter, member of the board of management of Daimler Mobility AG. Tom Gu joined StarRides is helmed by Tom Gu who took on the role of CEO of the company which has 80 employees from September 1.

Commenting on the new company, Joerg Lamparter, board member, Daimler Mobility AG for Digital & Mobility Solutions, said that premium ride-hailing is a key element in the company’s mobility ecosystem which ranges ranging from multi-year financing contracts to flexible leasing, car rental and subscription models to on-demand mobility. He said that Geely Technology Group has proved to be an excellent partner for expansion of the company’s mobility ecosystem in China. StarRides is meant to play a significant role in catering to customer needs in the premium ride-hailing segment and will help reinforce Daimler Mobility AG’s strong position in the mobility market.

Liu Jin Liang, CEO of Geely Technology Group, added, “We are proud to launch China’s first premium ride-hailing services in Hangzhou, the city where Geely Holding is based – and a city that is home to companies pioneering technology innovation in this country. StarRides is the latest symbol of our cooperation with Daimler, which we expect to create win-win opportunities for both companies. It also reflects Geely Holding’s continued transformation as a mobility and transport technology company.”

StarRides is positioned as a service that offers safe, convenient and premium one-stop mobility experience for customers with “The Best in Motion.” As the brand’s slogan. Users can download the StarRides App in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. The drivers or “mobility chauffeurs” of StarRides receive training from top chauffeur trainers, and this training is consistent with global standards. They have driving licenses which are compliant for online ride-hailing services, follow a dress code and are well-experienced. Some of them are premium service personnel with the capability of speaking Chinese and English when serving international users.

StarRides launched its Inaugural services after a year of development and planning by Daimler Mobility and Geely Technology Group. The two companies had unveiled the project in October 2018. They are also establishing a 50-50 globally focused joint venture which would own, operate and further develop smart, the pioneer of small urban vehicles, as a leader in premium-electrified vehicles.