Daimler, the parent company of Mercedes-Benz, is well-known for its shared mobility initiatives. The company’s Car2Go division offers Smart Fortwo rentals across numerous cities worldwide. However, Daimler is now venturing into a new arena by investing $50 million in a partnership with Via, a U.S. startup, to utilize its ride-sharing platform for on-demand shuttle services across Europe.
This initiative is set to kick off in London later this year, with plans for further expansion into additional cities. All transportation services under this collaboration will feature Mercedes vans.
Similar to popular ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft, Via allows users to request a ride via a smartphone application. The key difference is that by deploying vans, the service can accommodate several passengers traveling in the same direction, akin to the Chariot shuttle service offered by Ford in some U.S. urban areas.
Daimler argues that a shuttle service centered around vans will help reduce road wear by consolidating passengers into fewer vehicles. The company also envisions these shuttles as a potential alternative to traditional bus services, emphasizing a flexible approach where vehicles can respond to passenger locations rather than sticking to fixed routes, ultimately enhancing efficiency.
While Mercedes-Benz and Via have collaborated since 2015, this new agreement establishes a more integrated partnership. The joint venture will operate as a separate corporate entity located in Amsterdam, with Daimler obtaining representation on Via’s board. This move reflects a growing trend among automakers to engage more actively in shared mobility services, either by acquiring startups like Ford did with Chariot or creating internal alternatives, such as General Motors’ Maven.
As car-sharing and ride-sharing services diminish the need for personal vehicle ownership, they are expected to significantly influence the automotive industry. The adoption of these services is likely to increase as more individuals appreciate the benefits of not owning a car, particularly with the rise of autonomous vehicles, which could enhance the profitability of such offerings. Consequently, it is likely that the partnership between Daimler and Via is just one of many similar ventures on the horizon..
