Chinese online food delivery giant Meituan is making a foray into digital mapping, competing with top players including Alibaba’s AutoNavi and Baidu Maps, Reuters reports.
The company has previously put out job ads recruiting several positions for a new service, “Meituan Maps” which an unnamed Meituan Dianping spokeswoman confirmed with Reuters.
Last month, Chinese media reported that a former senior Baidu Maps executive had joined Meituan Dianping.
The Hong Kong-listed company currently uses AutoNavi, Baidu Maps and Tencent Maps for its services including bike-sharing, ride-hailing, and food delivery services.
As its ride-hailing business has grown, it has become more inclined to develop its own digital mapping technology, according to 36Kr. One of Meituan’s map suppliers AutoNavi also runs a ride-hailing business.