Chinese internet giant buys navigation data and teams up with Shell for roadside assistance
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Tencent's Lubao Box in action Image: The online giant Tencent has made three major plays into the auto sector: a $187m investment into Chinese mapping company NavInfo; development of the Lubao Box - a widget that plugs into a car’s diagnostic port to send real-time maintenance and safety information to the user, and a partnership with Shell China and PICC, an insurer, to offer roadside assistance.
At the Global Mobile Internet Conference, Tencent VP Julian Ma said he hopes “automakers will be more open-minded” about integrating mobile and auto systems.
Tencent rival, Alibaba, is also expanding its presence in the auto sector by increasing its share in mapping and navigation firm Autonavi. Baidu, currently China’s most popular online mapping service, has offered an updated version of CarNet, an app that delivers a voice-activated suite of location based services for drivers.
Tencent, PICC and Shell are also cornering the market in other ways with the launch of a car service platform. The venture will provide free roadside assistance to Lubao Box users, while also offering custom car maintenance services.