Uber's China road map: Ride-hailing firm to enter 100 more mainland cities in next 12 months

US ride-hailing service Uber Technologies will enter 100 more Chinese cities over the next year, doubling a previous goal set just three months ago, chief executive Travis Kalanick said on Tuesday.

Uber’s China unit currently operates in almost 20 cities, Kalanick said at an event in Beijing held by Uber investor Baidu.

The two firms are spending heavily to subsidise rides and gain market share, betting on China’s internet-linked transport market becoming the world’s biggest and most lucrative.

"When we started this year [in China], we were about one per cent market share. Today, nine months later, we’re looking at about 30 to 35 per cent market share", Kalanick said.

He did not specify whether that market was for all ride-hailing services including taxis, where Didi Kuaidi dominates, or just for private cars.