The BMW Group and Daimler AG have formed a 50/50 joint venture to establish a standalone mobility services company, set to operate across Europe.

The joint venture combines mobility services from both companies via a single app

With a transaction already filed in multiple countries and now with the European Commission, the two companies are aiming to bring a portfolio of urban mobility solutions under one banner. This would create a seamless multi-modal transport system, including car sharing, ride hailing, ticketless parking and multi-network electric vehicle charging, available via a single app.

Set to be headquartered in Berlin, the two companies said their joint expertise would enable the business to expand rapidly, subject to approval from competition authorities. BMW and Daimler will remain competitors in their respective core services, despite holding equal stakes in the new business.

Dieter Zetsche, chairman of the board of management of Daimler AG and head of Mercedes-Benz Cars, said: “Our vision is to create a major global player for seamless and intelligent connected mobility services together. As a hub for creativity and innovation, Berlin is exactly the right location for our plans.”

Harald Krüger, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, added: “The future of mobility is being shaped in major cities like Berlin. With the ecosystem we are planning, we will create solutions for tomorrow’s urban mobility: intelligent, seamlessly connected and available at the tap of a finger. We believe this will improve quality of life in major cities.”