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36Kr (EN)

Consumer

Robotics

Fintech

… compression techniques and algorithmic optimizations are reducing computational and storage requirements. This enables high-performance NLP functionalities, such as smart voice assistants, to operate efficiently on smartphones and wearables, improving responsiveness and minimizing energy consumption.
Simultaneously, businesses are increasingly adopting personalized NLP models tailored to specific industries. For instance, healthcare providers are developing custom models for medical terminology and R&amp;D, while financial institutions design models that align with risk management and investment strategies. This dual emphasis on model efficiency and domain-specific customization empowers industries to drive deeper digital transformation and innovation.

The lowdown on NLP developments in China: Insights from 2024

Artificial Intelligence

Deep Tech

China

… investors. Our collaboration with JD Property is built on transparency, mutual trust, and clear role division, underpinned by market-driven management to maximize investor benefits.
<h3>36Kr: After 16 years in real estate investment, what do you see as the core challenges?</h3>
SD: Real estate investment requires careful matching of asset pricing with value, maintaining cost control, and aligning asset attributes with funding characteristics to avoid cash flow challenges. Moreover, transaction arrangements must address all stakeholders’ concerns, maximizing asset value under a rational framework. Challenges vary across projects and economic cycles, necessitating flexible, adaptive strategies.
<h3>36Kr: Asset pricing is crucial. How does CDH approach valuation?</h3>
SD: Our global presence allows us to compare and validate market information across China, the US, and Japan. For income-generating assets, we meticulously assess project cash flows for sustainability and growth potential while applying appropriate valuation methodologies tailored to asset types and economic cycles. Our investments in US logistics assets during a low-interest environment demonstrated the value of stable income assets, reinforcing our focus on such infrastructure.
<h3>36Kr: Does insurers’ enthusiasm for real estate investment change with market conditions?</h3>
SD: I believe insurance funds will remain a vital force in the real estate market. The Chinese market is becoming increasingly mature and rational, partly due to the active participation of institutional investors like insurers. Short-term fluctuations may occur, but in the long run, there is still significant room for insurance funds in real estate and infrastructure allocations.
<h3>36Kr: Previously, CBridge Capital CEO Fu Wei described mergers and acquisitions as a “blue-collar job.” If M&amp;A is blue-collar and equity investment is white-collar, how would you classify real estate investment?</h3>
SD: Real estate investment is both blue- and white-collar. It’s a multifaceted process where each project forms a complete ecosystem. From construction and leasing to property management and financing, every element must be meticulously planned, leaving no blind spots. Physical stamina is also a critical factor. I recall a trip in 2023 where our team visited eight cities in just five days.
Real estate investments typically involve substantial sums, and each transaction comes with significant responsibilities. We are deeply committed to ensuring that our efforts consistently deliver strong returns for our investors.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3096849143533065">article</a> was written by Xu Muxin for 36Kr.

Insurers back CDH Investments to capitalize on China’s logistics boom

Venture Capital

Private Equity

Investment

Merger &amp; Acquisition

… https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Starbucks-Korea-300x200.jpg 300w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Starbucks-Korea-768x512.jpg 768w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Starbucks-Korea-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Starbucks-Korea.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-151429" class="wp-caption-text">Starbucks chose to raise its prices in South Korea for two consecutive years (2022–2023), in a nation renowned for its coffee culture, boasting over 100,000 coffee shops as of late 2023. Starbucks Korea faces stiff competition from local brands like Mega MGC Coffee and Compose Coffee, known for their affordable pricing.</figcaption></figure>
While the current price surge is set to pressure leading RMB 9.9 coffee players, smaller brands and specialty coffee shops may experience less strain. A store manager from a new coffee brand shared with 36Kr that its costs remain relatively stable due to lower purchase volumes.
Specialty coffee businesses echo this sentiment. A supply chain executive for premium coffee explained that procurement prices for Ethiopian beans—the birthplace of specialty coffee—have remained relatively steady. High-quality beans continue to offer good value, and the higher pricing of specialty products allows businesses to better absorb increased costs.
For the RMB 9.9 coffee segment, where cost efficiency is already pushed to the limit, the challenge of managing rising expenses will only grow more daunting from hereon.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3091152659822720">article</a> was written by Yang Yafei for 36Kr.

RMB 9.9 coffee era risks collapse as bean prices soar

Luckin Coffee

Starbucks

Consumer Services

Coffee

After debuting its first carbon-neutral store concept on Shanghai’s Wukang Road in April, Chinese sportswear brand Anta brought the space to life earlier this month with a showcase that fused sustainability and fashion. On December 22, Anta introduced its AntaZero Upcycle collection at the Wukang store, featuring designs repurposed from surplus inventory for activities such as skiing, cycling, and daily urban life.
<figure id="attachment_151446" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-151446" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="wp-image-151446 size-large" src="https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Anta-AntaZero-Store-Interior-1024x683.jpg" alt="Photo shows the interior of the AntaZero store on Shanghai’s Wukang Road, launched by Anta in April 2024 to feature its sustainability initiatives." width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Anta-AntaZero-Store-Interior-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Anta-AntaZero-Store-Interior-300x200.jpg 300w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Anta-AntaZero-Store-Interior-768x512.jpg 768w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Anta-AntaZero-Store-Interior-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Anta-AntaZero-Store-Interior.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-151446" class="wp-caption-text">The interior of the AntaZero store on Shanghai’s Wukang Road, launched by Anta in April 2024 to showcase its sustainability initiatives. Photo and header photo courtesy of Anta.</figcaption></figure>
The collection, co-conceived with sustainability platform canU and four Chinese designers, highlighted diverse approaches to upcycling. Some designs transformed surplus down materials, while others utilized spray-painting techniques and intricate craftsmanship to rejuvenate unused inventory. One designer explored fully recycled garments, demonstrating the potential of sustainable fashion.
Xu Yang, CEO of Anta, stated during the event that green principles should function as engines for growth. The collection minimizes energy-intensive production processes, such as weaving and dyeing, while delivering market-ready designs that balance aesthetics with environmental responsibility. The initiative aligns with Anta’s ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and reflects its commitment to increasing the share of sustainable products in its portfolio.
The launch places Anta alongside global sportswear brands that are prioritizing sustainability. Adidas, for instance, collaborated with Parley for the Oceans for nearly a decade, creating products made from recycled ocean plastics as an alternative to virgin polyester. Similarly, Nike’s “Move to Zero” initiative integrates recycled materials into its product lines while focusing on reducing waste.
<figure id="attachment_151448" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-151448" style="width: 1024px" class="wp-caption alignnone"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="size-large wp-image-151448" src="https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Adidas-Parley-for-the-Oceans-1024x683.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="683" srcset="https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Adidas-Parley-for-the-Oceans-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Adidas-Parley-for-the-Oceans-300x200.jpg 300w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Adidas-Parley-for-the-Oceans-768x512.jpg 768w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Adidas-Parley-for-the-Oceans-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://console.kr-asia.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Adidas-Parley-for-the-Oceans.jpg 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption id="caption-attachment-151448" class="wp-caption-text">Until recently, Adidas had been collaborating with Parley for the Oceans to create products made from recycled ocean plastics. In 2015, the partnership debuted an Ultra Boost prototype featuring an upper crafted from yarns and filaments reclaimed from ocean waste and discarded gillnets. Photo courtesy of Adidas and Parley for the Oceans.</figcaption></figure>
Closer to home, Li-Ning has quietly embraced local production practices and culturally inspired design elements that emphasize quality and responsibility. Earlier this year, the company collaborated with BASF to develop fully recyclable concept shoes using a proprietary thermoplastic polyurethane, adhering to cradle-to-cradle principles while maintaining high performance.

Anta steps up sustainability with upcycled collection at Wukang store

Anta

Retail

Sustainability

Zhang Xiaoran has left her position as head of ByteDance’s CapCut, according to multiple sources reported by 36Kr.
Public records trace Zhang Xiaoran’s academic journey to the Wuhan University of Science and Technology and the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Her professional path includes being an early team member of MYOTee, which later evolved into CapCut after ByteDance acquired the company. By late 2021, she was at the helm of products and operations for CapCut, Xingtu, and other associated apps, driving their growth from early development to a thriving presence in the market.
In early 2024, Kelly Zhang (also known as Zhang Nan), ByteDance’s former Douyin CEO, announced her transition to oversee CapCut and Dreamina, with Zhang Xiaoran directly reporting to her. ByteDance has not yet addressed inquiries regarding Zhang Xiaoran's departure.
Launched in 2019 as ByteDance’s video editing app, CapCut was initially positioned as Douyin's official editing tool. Over time, it has attracted a diverse user base that spans individual creators, professional content makers, and enterprises. By February 2021, the app expanded its reach with versions for iPad, Mac, and Windows, followed by an enterprise edition in 2022, solidifying its presence in both consumer and B2B markets.
Despite a low-profile start, CapCut has cemented itself as China’s leading video editing platform and a key growth driver for ByteDance. Within two years of its debut, the platform surpassed 100 million monthly active users (MAUs), a milestone that underlines its widespread appeal.
Globally, CapCut’s integration within the TikTok ecosystem has propelled its adoption. Sensor Tower data reveals it has become one of the most downloaded apps in the United States since its 2020 launch. As of 2024, CapCut serves over 300 million MAUs worldwide, capturing a commanding 81% share of the mobile video editing market.
In November 2024, 36Kr reported triple-digit revenue growth for CapCut and its international counterpart, nearing RMB 10 billion (USD 1.4 billion) in annual revenue. Combined, the platforms have attracted over 800 million MAUs globally.
CapCut has been instrumental in ByteDance’s development. Its accessibility significantly contributed to Douyin’s evolution into a content-driven community. Traditionally, video editing depended on advanced PC software, limiting its reach. CapCut lowered this barrier by enabling users to manage ideation, material sourcing, shooting, editing, and dubbing directly from mobile devices.
CapCut has been a forerunner in ByteDance’s adoption of generative AI. Since 2022, features like text-to-image conversion and music generation have enriched the user experience. Its current tools also include digital avatars and voiceover editing, among others.
Kelly Zhang’s involvement with CapCut brought greater operational focus. In May 2024, the platform introduced Dreamina, an AI-driven video creation platform equipped with tools for image generation, smart canvases, and storytelling. ByteDance has reallocated internal resources to prioritize Dreamina, which it envisions as the “TikTok of the AI era.”
Reports indicate that Dreamina’s development has been elevated in strategic importance, with future updates potentially incorporating applications in gaming, video production, and the metaverse.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3100992889671429">article</a> was written by Yong Yi for 36Kr.

CapCut leader Zhang Xiaoran departs as ByteDance doubles down on AI

Northeast Asia

CapCut

Artificial intelligence

Xunfei Healthcare Technology, spun off from Chinese artificial intelligence firm iFlytek, made its debut on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on December 30. Shares opened higher and closed at HKD 87 (USD 11.2), a 5.07% increase from the initial public offering price of HKD 82.8 (USD 10.7), giving the company a market valuation of HKD 10.5 billion (USD 1.4 billion).
The company’s public listing attracted prominent backers, including Daan Gene and Costone China Growth, securing USD 35.57 million in cornerstone investments. Hefei state-owned capital played a notable role, contributing USD 7.97 million via Xunyi Limited, underscoring the local government’s support for domestic enterprises.
Founded in 2016, Xunfei leverages its parent company’s AI expertise to develop full-cycle healthcare solutions, from disease prevention and diagnosis to post-treatment management. However, while it capitalized on the growing demand for smart healthcare, its financial performance shows slowing revenue growth and persistent losses. Revenues increased to RMB 556 million (USD 77.8 million) in 2023, but growth slowed to 17.7% from 26.8% the previous year. Net losses have also remained significant, totaling RMB 134 million (USD 18.8 million) in the first half of 2024.
Xunfei’s reliance on patient data for its AI-powered applications has drawn regulatory scrutiny. In March 2024, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology flagged the iFlytek Xiaoyi app for exceeding permissible limits on personal information collection. The incident underscores broader challenges in deploying AI within healthcare, where innovation often faces obstacles such as fragmented data systems and stringent privacy regulations.
Pre-IPO investors, including Hefei Tongchuang and Tianzheng Investment, reaped substantial returns as the company’s share price surged on its first trading day. Tianzheng, one of the earliest institutional investors, acquired its stake at RMB 19.05 per share (USD 2.7). In contrast, Hefei Tongchuang, backed by local state-owned capital, entered at RMB 66.67 (USD 9.3) per share.
Despite its IPO success, Xunfei faces an uphill battle in balancing its growth ambitions with regulatory compliance. As healthcare and technology increasingly intersect, the company’s future hinges on its ability to navigate China’s complex regulatory landscape while pushing forward with its innovations.
iFlytek’s 49.42% direct stake in Xunfei keeps the subsidiary closely aligned with its parent company’s trajectory. Meanwhile, Liu, who chairs both entities, remains instrumental in steering their shared vision and future endeavors.

iFlytek spinoff Xunfei Healthcare makes HKEX debut

iFlytek

Xunfei Healthcare

Medtech

Health Tech

Hong Kong

… growing pool of potential sellers</h3>
Many family-owned enterprises established in the 1990s now face succession challenges. According to the Fortune 500, 80% of China’s leading private entrepreneurs are over 50, yet only 20% of their heirs are willing to take over. This generational divide stems from conflicting priorities: the older generation seeks to preserve the family legacy, while younger heirs often pursue independent careers. The concentration of these businesses in traditional industries—struggling to adapt to China’s economic shifts—makes succession even less appealing. For many families, selling to capable buyers is becoming the most practical solution.
Recent cases reflect this shift. In December 2024, Goodix Technology announced plans to acquire Viewtrix Technology, which had been preparing for an A-share IPO but instead opted for acquisition. Similarly, Lianshi abandoned its IPO in July and sold itself to Youon Technology. These moves indicate a growing acceptance of M&amp;A as a viable alternative, particularly in light of blocked IPO pathways.
Some sectors are maturing to the point of producing companies that appeal to buyers. CEC Capital’s Li pointed to the innovative drug industry as a prime example. In 2024, M&amp;A activity in this space surged, driven by the enhanced capabilities of Chinese biotech firms. Over the past decade, these companies have attracted rapid financing, seen valuations skyrocket, and faced eventual corrections post-IPO. Now, China ranks second globally for new drug approvals, pipelines, and blockbuster drugs. The acquisitions of ProfoundBio and Gracell Biotechnologies showcase the global recognition these companies have achieved.
<h2>State-owned enterprises as key buyers</h2>
In 2024, SOEs emerged as pivotal players in China’s M&amp;A landscape. At least 20 publicly listed companies transferred controlling stakes to local SOEs, while central SOEs were particularly active in sectors like healthcare. Major deals included:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">China National Pharmaceutical Group (Sinopharm) privatizing China TCM for HKD 15.4 billion (USD 2.1 billion).</li>
<li aria-level="1">China General Technology Group (Genertec) becoming the largest shareholder of Neusoft.</li>
<li aria-level="1">China Resources (CR) Pharmaceutical Group acquiring Tasly for RMB 6.2 billion (USD 882 million).</li>
</ul>
Cities such as Beijing, Nanjing, and Chengdu have recently established local M&amp;A funds aimed at strategic industries like biopharma and advanced manufacturing. These initiatives align with government priorities to bolster key sectors. According to Zerone, government-backed contributions dominated fundraising in September 2024, accounting for 201 funding instances.
SOE acquisitions are often driven by broader goals such as GDP growth and regional development rather than immediate financial returns. For instance, Qingdao’s acquisitions of clean energy and advanced material firms are focused on enhancing local industrial ecosystems, prioritizing long-term sustainability over short-term profitability.
<h2>Listed companies unshackled by new policies</h2>
In the first half of 2024, listed companies emerged as the dominant force in China’s M&amp;A market, accounting for 61% of buyers, followed by private firms (25%) and SOEs. Among the 37 deals exceeding RMB 1 billion (USD 140 million), 78% involved listed companies.
Regulatory changes in 2024 lifted restrictions on cross-industry acquisitions and the purchase of lossmaking companies, enabling listed firms to adopt more diverse strategies. Many quickly announced plans to acquire semiconductor assets and expand into integrated circuits, signaling a push into high-tech sectors.
While internet giants have historically been key players in M&amp;A, their domestic activity has tapered off following regulatory crackdowns. Instead, they are turning to cross-border acquisitions. ByteDance and Alibaba have targeted overseas e-commerce platforms, while Meituan recently acquired generative AI company Light Year (Guangnian Zhiwai).
<h2>Is China ready?</h2>
With fewer opportunities in primary markets, some VC and PE firms are shifting toward buyout strategies. Consumer sectors, characterized by relatively low valuations, have become a focal point. Genbridge, for example, recently acquired a food factory, leveraging downstream relationships to integrate and optimize operations for efficiency.
Post-acquisition management has proven critical to M&amp;A success. In 2017, Harvest Capital partnered with an asset management company to acquire a 70% stake in Dalicap Technology. Following the acquisition, the investor revamped the company’s strategy, operations, and R&amp;D. This overhaul doubled revenue and profits, culminating in a successful IPO.
The question of when China’s M&amp;A wave will fully materialize hinges on whether the market genuinely needs one. Historically, the U.S. has experienced five distinct M&amp;A waves, each driven by economic prosperity, favorable policies, and industry booms. These periods reshaped industries and the broader economic landscape.
China, by contrast, remains at a nascent stage. Yicun Capital’s Yu noted that even small towns in the U.S. bear the imprint of M&amp;A, reflected in the dominance of national retail chains. In China, however, a fragmented market structure indicates that industrial consolidation is just beginning.
An M&amp;A wave in China could eliminate inefficiencies from the incremental growth era while fostering sustainable development in a stock-driven economy. But achieving this will require:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Economic adjustments: Slower GDP growth refocusing efforts on maximizing the efficiency of existing assets.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Structural willingness to sell: Greater alignment between buyer and seller expectations, supported by post-bubble valuation corrections.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Policy support: Clear, actionable guidance to nurture M&amp;A activity and ensure effective implementation.</li>
</ul>
Different industries will experience this shift at varying speeds. Consumer goods and biotech, which have already seen substantial capital inflows, are well-positioned to lead the trend. Zhang from Genbridge predicts a surge in M&amp;A activity among smaller consumer companies over the next two to three years.
While 2024 offers early signs of progress, the true M&amp;A wave remains on the horizon. For a market like China—driven by an enduring quest for efficiency and growth—the wave is inevitable. It’s not a question of if, but when.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3093787376564610">article</a> was written by Xu Muxin for 36Kr.

Is China’s M&A wave a mirage or the real deal?

… voice recognition—an addition not commonly found in other BYD models. Other highlights include improved visual monitoring and sentry mode, both offered as standard.
Acknowledging growing concerns over data security, BYD equips the Denza D9 with physical switches to disable interior cameras. Additionally, all data is anonymized and stored locally. Zhao underscored that these measures are not exclusive to the Denza D9 but extend across BYD’s portfolio. Such privacy features resonate particularly well with MPV buyers, who often use these vehicles for both family and business purposes.
The Denza brand, one of BYD’s three luxury sub-brands, continues to dominate the RMB 300,000–500,000 (USD 42,000–70,000) price range. With over 300,000 units sold since its debut and more than 90,000 units moved in the first 11 months of 2024 alone, the D9 leads the MPV segment by a comfortable margin.
With the 2025 model, Denza D9 builds on this success with significant feature enhancements while maintaining stable pricing. In the highly competitive MPV market, the Denza D9 has undoubtedly set a benchmark that rivals will struggle to match.
KrASIA Connection features translated and adapted content that was originally published by 36Kr. This <a href="https://36kr.com/p/3096845153324806">article</a> was written by Han Yongchang for 36Kr.

Has the new Denza D9 done enough to raise the bar for MPVs?

Denza

Transportation

Electric Vehicles

Mobility

Google sister company Waymo plans to test its autonomous taxi service on the streets of Tokyo in 2025, with the goal of resolving a severe cabdriver shortage in Japan.
Waymo will work with Japanese partners Go, the taxi-hailing platform, and taxi operator Nihon Kotsu. The three companies will test the Waymo Driver autonomous driving system with 25 vehicles in early 2025, the Alphabet-owned company announced on December 16.
The test will capture mapping data for a commercial robotaxi service. Such a service would be capable of Level 4 autonomy, which is one tier short of full automation and will require human intervention in a few circumstances.
The tests will take place on public roads in seven wards in central Tokyo: Minato, Shinjuku, Shibuya, Chiyoda, Chuo, Shinagawa, and Koto.
Waymo will use electric vehicles made by Jaguar Land Rover. When the battery runs low, the vehicles are able to drive to charging stations.
EVs are still limited in the distances they can travel on a single charge. Waymo chose Tokyo because of its dense urban environment, which means that it is relative easy to find users in a small area.
Conditions are ripe for an autonomous taxi service in Japan due to the severe labor shortage in the cab industry. The sector is undergoing a period of transformation with the legalization of what is known as the <a href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Sharing-Economy/Japan-s-version-of-ride-hailing-arrives-amid-taxi-shortage" target="_blank" rel="noopener">"Japanese version"</a> of ride-hailing.
In that setup, only licensed taxi companies are allowed to deploy gig drivers. Those services are offered during certain times of the day, in certain areas where there is a lack of fully staffed taxi drivers.
"Japan is several years behind the US and China when it comes to implementing autonomous driving technology in the real world," said Go president Hiroshi Nakajima.
"Waymo possesses technology that is among the best in the world, including in the number of rides," Nakajima added. "We're intent on making driverless taxi dispatch a reality with Go."
Consumer trust, as well as safety improvements, will be needed heading toward commercialization of driverless taxis. This month, General Motors announced that it will exit the robotaxi business after self-driving subsidiary Cruise shut down its driverless taxi service last year following reports of pedestrian injuries involving the company's vehicles.
In February, an empty Waymo vehicle was vandalized and set on fire by a crowd in San Francisco.
Alphabet, the parent of Waymo and Google, is focused on developing artificial intelligence that would contribute to improved safety. AI could generate simulations based on real traffic data to further train robotaxis to avoid accidents.
"We'll have to overcome various challenges before we can bring this to the real world," said Nakajima. "However, we won't launch a service that's still in a precarious state. We will proceed carefully."
Mai Niizoe, a research officer at Sompo Institute Plus who studies autonomous driving, says taxis are likely the only way of achieving "sustainable, profitable operations" using self-driving tech.
"Waymo's track record in autonomous driving is top-level," said Niizoe. "It will be a 'black ship' [foreign disruptor] for companies developing autonomous driving technology in Japan."
In 2020, Waymo launched a driverless ride-hailing service in Phoenix, Arizona. The company later expanded to San Francisco and Los Angeles. Waymo has announced plans to expand to the US cities of Austin, Atlanta, and Miami.
In areas where Waymo's taxis are available to the general public, riders can use an app to summon a vehicle, enter the destination and unlock the doors. Payment is made with a credit card through the app. In the event of an emergency, the vehicle will connect the user to an operator.
Waymo's paid service is used around 100,000 times per week across all cities. The company looks to expand its service area to build up more data on mobility. Japan will be first place outside the US that will host testing by Waymo.
This article first appeared on <a tabindex="0" href="https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Technology/Google-s-Waymo-to-test-drive-robotaxis-in-Tokyo-early-next-year" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-token-index="1">Nikkei Asia</a>. It has been republished here as part of 36Kr’s ongoing <a tabindex="0" href="https://www.kr-asia.com/nikkei-teams-up-with-36kr-in-asia-tech-news-coverage/" rel="noopener noreferrer" data-token-index="3">partnership with Nikkei</a>.

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