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DiDi Autonomous Driving and GAC Aion Deliver New-Generation Robotaxi R2

DiDi Autonomous Driving and GAC Aion Deliver New-Generation Robotaxi R2 – image 1

DiDi Autonomous Driving and GAC Aion today announced the official delivery of the R2, their jointly developed new-generation Robotaxi. The initial fleet has already secured road test licenses for intelligent connected vehicles in Guangzhou.

The delivery ceremony was attended by a delegation led by Lai Zhihong, Vice Mayor of Guangzhou, who received a progress report on the Robotaxi collaboration. Key representatives from both parties participated in the event, including Feng Xingya, Chairman of GAC Group; Ge Xianqing, General Manager of GAC Group; Cheng Wei, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of DiDi; and Zhang Bo, Co-founder of DiDi and CEO of DiDi Autonomous Driving.

As a city partner of Guangzhou, DiDi Autonomous Driving and GAC Aion will deepen their cooperation around the delivered fleet. The partners aim to steadily advance autonomous driving demonstration applications and the evolution of the Robotaxi product ecosystem, gradually introducing China’s autonomous driving technology and expertise to the global market.

New model delivery ceremony at the GAC Aion factory, attended by Guangzhou officials and leadership from DiDi and GAC.
Caption: New model delivery ceremony at the GAC Aion factory, attended by Guangzhou officials and leadership from DiDi and GAC.

A Comprehensive Upgrade in Robotaxi vehicle

The R2 Robotaxi represents a deep integration of DiDi Autonomous Driving’s L4 full-stack software and hardware technology with GAC Aion’s advanced intelligent manufacturing capabilities. Designed for global adaptability and specific driverless scenarios, the model significantly reduces costs while enhancing reliability, cabin experience, and autonomous driving performance.

The next-generation Robotaxi R2 features a full-scale upgrade in both cabin experience and autonomous driving capabilities.
Caption: The next-generation Robotaxi R2 features a full-scale upgrade in both cabin experience and autonomous driving capabilities.

The vehicle features an intelligent interaction screen on the front bumper to display real-time status, making it easier for passengers to locate and identify the car. The interior maximizes rear passenger space with high-angle adjustable seats. It is equipped with a 17.3-inch ceiling-mounted screen and a multi-modal interaction system. For health and safety, remote ultraviolet (UV) sterilization lamps can be activated after the vehicle completes its service.

Built on DiDi Autonomous Driving’s latest hardware platform, the R2 utilizes a fusion of 33 sensors—including LiDAR, cameras, 4D millimeter-wave radar, infrared cameras, and audio sensors—to achieve full-scenario perception. The vehicle features the industry’s first mass-produced triple-domain fusion central computing brain, boasting over 2,000 TOPS of GPU computing power. Compared to the previous generation, it offers higher performance and lower latency, doubles sensor access capacity, and reduces costs by 74%.

The R2 meets dual five-star safety rating (C-NCAP and Euro NCAP) and incorporates a multi-layer redundancy system covering algorithms, software, hardware, braking, steering, communication, and power supply. Developed according to Functional Safety and SOTIF (Safety of the Intended Functionality) requirements, the model has undergone three levels of verification: components, systems, and the complete vehicle. Systematic testing—including road performance, reliability, extreme climate endurance (winter/summer), collision safety, and customized operational scenarios—ensures stable operation in complex urban environments.

Deepening Cooperation for Future Mobility

This project marks the first time in China that a Robotaxi model has been launched through a joint venture between an autonomous driving company and an automaker. Since the establishment of their joint venture in April 2024, DiDi Autonomous Driving and GAC Aion have focused on genuine user needs to drive forward-engineered development and full-process testing.

Following this delivery, the two companies will collaborate on life-cycle management, scenario expansion, and product iterations. Utilizing Huiju Port, DiDi Autonomous Driving’s full-process operation center, the partners will transition driverless technology from verification to large-scale application.

Currently, DiDi Autonomous Driving provides 24/7 fully driverless passenger testing in parts of Guangzhou. In 2026, the new-generation fleet will begin orderly demonstration applications in cities including Guangzhou and Beijing.

Feng Xingya, Chairman of GAC Group, said: "In the future, GAC Group will deepen all-around strategic cooperation with DiDi. We will leverage our complementary strengths in manufacturing, R&D, mobility ecosystems, and operations to inject strong momentum into Guangzhou’s vision of becoming a 'Smart Car City' with a trillion-yuan industry scale by 2035."

The successful delivery and road testing of the new-generation Robotaxi marks a new milestone in the mass production of autonomous driving vehicles. Zhang Bo, Co-founder of DiDi and CEO of DiDi Autonomous Driving, added: "DiDi Autonomous Driving remains committed to responsible technological innovation. We will work with GAC to steadily advance applications, supporting the high-quality development of China’s intelligent connected vehicle industry while bringing Chinese expertise to more global markets."