JD alliance to launch smart trucks soon

JD Logistics, the delivery arm of Chinese e-commerce giant JD, has announced a joint venture with transport company Juma Logistics, logistics firm GLP and domestic carmaker Welt-Meister, to develop smart trucks.

Leveraging its expertise in e-commerce, delivery, technology and finance, JD Logistics forecasts the venture will begin mass production of smart delivery trucks by 2020.

"It is a milestone change for trucks, from R&D to application. I believe that this will not only enable the logistics industry to realize digital operation and intelligent logistics, but also create a new employment model for young drivers in the future," said Juma Logistics founder and CEO Bai Rubing.