Ridesharing has revolutionized how people get around within cities large and small. Many investors have realized this whether they are an individual or corporate entity and car manufacturers are no exception to this. In fact, they amongst everyone have been paying the closest attention to the growing phenomenon that is ridesharing.
The latest developments on this topic come from German automaker Volkswagen and Japanese automaker Toyota. It has recently been made aware to the public that Volkswagen has decided to invest a staggering $300 million into the ridesharing service named Gett, formerly known as GetTaxi. For American readers, Gett is largely popular in Europe and is similar to Uber but distinguishes its self in one particular way. To be a driver for Gett you must hold a special license that allows you to carry passengers (essentially a taxi license), likening it more to a true taxi service.
Across the Atlantic, Toyota has decided to partner with Uber in an effort to put their vehicles in the hands of Uber drivers. Incentives for Uber drivers are likely to be generous lease deals on all Toyota and Lexus vehicles that can be covered by fairs. It also wouldn’t be wrong to assume that Uber will receive a fleet of Toyota and Lexus vehicles.
These aren’t the first cases of car manufacturers jumping on this profitable trend. General Motors took the initiative in investing in the ridesharing service Lyft first, and it seems the flood doors have opened and every manufacturer on the face of the earth is looking to get their foot in the door with ridesharing. Who could blame them; it will likely be very profitable and beneficial to both entities and will revolutionize transportation forever.
Featured Image Via Pixabay/Marcin Machalski
