By Brazil Stock Guide – 99 Food, the delivery arm of China’s Didi Global Inc. (NYSE: DIDIY), said it will pour R$2 billion ($360 million) into its Brazilian operations, expanding services for its 700,000 registered couriers and investing in local production of electric motorcycles. The announcement was made after a meeting at Brazil’s presidential palace in Brasília with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, Didi CEO Will Wei Cheng, and 99’s Brazil chief Simeng Wang.
The company plans to build rest hubs for couriers in all state capitals, offering seating, water, restrooms, and charging stations. “We are doing the planning. Today we operate in two cities — Goiânia and São Paulo. Goiânia has a more mature operation, with three hubs. We are analyzing a partnership in São Paulo as well. And we have an agreement with the Rio de Janeiro city hall to do this,” Wang said. The investment in these hubs alone is estimated at R$50 million.
Wang also outlined a partnership with a Chinese e-motorbike manufacturer to assemble vehicles in Brazil, aiming to cut fuel costs and make ownership more affordable for couriers. “We are working with a partner already active with us in Mexico and Colombia, specialized in offering credit for this public,” he said. The company is sharing ride data to design a bike tailored to both delivery and passenger transport. “The design is in progress and we will bring this bike to Brazil,” he added.
The company further announced a collaboration with Brazil’s Health Ministry to provide free ride vouchers for patients traveling to consultations or surgeries in public hospitals. Wang said the program is already active in 49 hospitals but did not provide further details.
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