Meituan Enters the Automotive Sales Arena

[Platform Diversification] Meituan has officially entered the automotive distribution sector, aiming to build an all-in-one service platform that integrates car purchasing, vehicle usage, and local lifestyle services.

Core Strategy: Focusing on Distribution, Not Manufacturing—Building the Platform Only

Meituan has signed a strategic cooperation agreement with Shanghai Xiche Future Intelligent Technology. Leveraging its 600 million monthly active users and extensive local lifestyle service network, Meituan connects consumers with 4S dealerships. Users can compare prices, schedule test drives, pay deposits, and review services—all without Meituan directly engaging in vehicle manufacturing or sales. Instead, it is creating a "second online showroom" for dealers.

Key Metrics: Targeting Over 10,000 Dealerships and 30+ Brands

To date, over 100 dealerships have joined the pilot program, with partners including SAIC Motor Corporation. Meituan plans to onboard more than 30 automotive brands and over 10,000 dealership outlets by the end of 2026, accelerating the digital transformation of auto sales.

Strategic Rationale: Addressing Losses by Monetizing High-Value Traffic

In the first three quarters of 2025, Meituan’s core local services segment reported declining revenue and a net loss of RMB 18.632 billion. The automotive sector—characterized by high average transaction value and low purchase frequency—offers a strategic opportunity to activate Meituan’s existing user base and create synergies with its current offerings, such as EV charging station services and road trip recommendations, forming a closed-loop ecosystem.