The group previously announced that it’s investing $300m (€269.2m) in Gett, formerly known as GetTaxi, in a move to expand on-demand mobility services in Europe.

The two firms have now announced more details of their partnership at a kick-off event at the DRIVE Volkswagen Group Forum, Berlin.

Chairman of the Board of Management Matthias Müller stressed the importance of the strategic partnership at the event, saying: “The ride hailing market doesn’t just promise high growth rates for Volkswagen, it also has a big strategic relevance. Ride hailing will be at the center of our new ‘mobility on-demand’ business, which we are building up as the second pillar alongside the classic automobile business. Our investment in Gett gives us instant access to a service which people all over the world can benefit from.”

The joint growth strategy is to be driven by a special team led by Ole Harms, head of new business & mobility, and will see the VW Group offer special terms on Volkswagen vehicles for Gett drivers. Special package offers will conveniently pool various costs such as purchase or finance as well as the necessary insurance and servicing. Alongside brands such as Volkswagen, Skoda and SEAT, a special chauffeur service featuring premium brands, such as Audi and Porsche, is also being considered.

As key milestones in their future expansion, the two companies announced Gett’s market launch in Germany and other countries across Europe. Gett services will then be on the roads of big cities in Germany such as Berlin from the first half of 2017.