Daimler AG’s mobile platforms have notched 64% growth in users this year. Through September, more than 26 million customers have used Daimler mobile ride-hailing and car rental services like car2go, mytaxi, and moovel, the OEM announced today.
Newly released usage numbers coincide with the announcement that the German company will change its name to Daimler Mobility AG in 2019. In addition to the name change, there will be a new focus for investments.
“This new name gives expression to our strategic expansion of the business segments,” Klaus Entenmann, CEO of Daimler Financial Services AG, said in a company-issued statement. “26 million customers along with strong double-digit growth in this future market of mobility are driving our investments.”
The shift to focus on more mobility services has been in the works for months. In March, Daimler announced a planned partnership with BMW. Upon approval, the deal will “merge their on-demand mobility services (car sharing, ride-hailing, parking, charging and mobility-as-a-service platforms) and further expand them strategically in future,” the company says.
Through September, Daimler’s mobile services — including Beat, Clever Taxi and Chauffeur Privé — have generated more than 126 million transactions in 130 cities globally.
Earlier this month, the company announced expansion plans for China, where it will partner with OEM Geely on a premium ride-hailing service. Starting in 2019, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, E-Class, V-Class, and Maybach, in addition to Geely electric cars, will comprise a ride-hailing fleet in four Chinese cities.
“The ride-hailing joint venture will help us to expand our mobility services worldwide while further strengthening Daimler’s profile in China,” Entenmann said. “By cooperating with Geely Group Company, we now have the opportunity to enter the Chinese ride-hailing market, which is one of the fastest-growing markets in China.”
