Didi Chuxing, dubbed as the Uber of China, announced its partnership with US car rental giant Avis that will give Didi users access to car rental services while traveling overseas.

The deal will introduce Avis inside the Didi app as an option for booking car abroad in more than 175 countries and regions worldwide. Of note, the option is strictly for booking rental cars, which means chauffeured vehicles and taxis are excluded, Venture Beat noted.

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Under the partnership, both companies plan to "coordinate product, technology, and local marketing resources." The initiative comes as China's ride-hailing giant plans to widen its transportation portfolio option to its 300 strong user base, according to South China Morning Post.

"Internationalization is a clear mission for Didi. The partnership with Avis Budget Group is a key step in Didi's broader initiative to go global ... together we will provide quality local travel experience across the world for China's fast-expanding outbound travelers' community," Fu Qiang, senior vice president of Didi Chuxing and general manager for Didi Car Rental, said.

Didi is eager on diversifying and expanding its portfolio globally. Last September, Didi Chuxing invested "tens of millions of dollars" to Beijing-based oFo, as the company takes a look at two wheels a part of its plan to develop a transport ecosystem.

Avis, on the other hand, is not new to transport-centric startups. It acquired car-sharing pioneer Zipcar for half a billion dollars in cash in 2013. Its latest partnership with Didi will thus gain Avis a direct pipeline to millions more potential clients.

According to TechCrunch, Didi confirmed that its "strategic partnership" with Avis does not include any investment from both parties. Meanwhile, the initial integration will go live as early as next year ahead of the Chinese New Year. 

TagsDidi Chuxing, Avis car rental, car rental services, Uber of China