DiDi’s Vicente Roqueñi calls Latin America their top market, second only to China in terms of investment
Photo: X account of Diario Financiero.
In an interview with América Economía, Vicente Roqueñi López, Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy for Latin America at DiDi, highlighted that the Chinese ride-sharing company has experienced significant growth since its founding in 2012, with a notable presence in 15 countries, 10 of which are in Latin America. Roqueñi noted that this region is the second most important for DiDi after China, with an investment of $410 million in 2023. The company has diversified its service offerings, which include mobility, food, and fintech, with verticals such as DiDi Express, DiDi Food, and DiDi Pay, positioning itself as an integrated ecosystem beyond transportation.
In Chile, DiDi has had a notable presence since 2019, positively impacting the local economy with a contribution of $605 million over five years. In 2023, the platform saw a 26% increase in the number of drivers, demonstrating the growing acceptance of the platform. Innovations like DiDi Mujer, which allows female drivers to receive requests only from female passengers, underscore the company’s focus on adapting its services to local needs and promoting social inclusion.
The DiDi executive clarified that despite its success in the mobility sector, not all of DiDi’s initiatives in Chile have been successful. The DiDi Food vertical closed in 2023 after a year of operations, reflecting the company’s flexibility to adjust its portfolio according to market conditions. On the regulatory front, DiDi faces challenges with the EAT law, which regulates ride-hailing companies. The company has actively participated in discussions with authorities to ensure that regulations promote mobility and the protection of drivers’ and passengers’ data.
Vicente emphasized that DiDi has also led the transition to electromobility, with investments in electric cars in key markets such as China, Mexico, and Brazil. With more than 3.5 million electric vehicles on its global platform, DiDi has reduced millions of tons of carbon dioxide emissions. In Chile, although the adoption of electric cars is still in its early stages, the company is committed to promoting sustainable mobility in the country, aligned with its global vision of reducing environmental impact.
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