Uber x Grab, mobility companies looking to take on loans & more
Welcome to our weekly news highlights, the place where you‘ll find the most important information in the urban mobility space. Follow us to keep updated, we post every Tuesday! Here is what happened last week:
Southeast Asia’s ride-hailing market
Uber and Grab are said to be in talks to strike a deal similar to what Didi and Uber made in China. Sources close to the deal say that Uber has agreed to sell its Southeast Asian operations to Grab. The deal would entail Uber owning around 30% stake in Grab, making the ride-hailing space even more intertwined.
Two-wheel ride-sharing
Automaker BMW wants to offer ride-sharing on motorbikes in congested cities in Europe, similar to what Go-Jek and Grab offer in Southeast Asia. The company wants to roll out a pilot starting in May in Germany, France and Austria. However, one problem is standing in their way: How to deal with second helmets.
Borrowing vs Funding rounds
On the other hand, Ofo, the dockless bike sharing company from China, has recently borrowed $280 million from Alibaba. The loan has been taken against a mortgage of four million Ofo bikes. According to local media, Didi Chuxing was against a direct investment from Alibaba, hence the mortgage solution.
Another company that is also looking to borrow money is Uber. The ride-hailing pioneer has been looking to borrow $1.25 million, directly from investors. Morgan Stanley is said to be advising Uber in the deal.
Have shared mobility companies had it when it comes with the baggage that comes with investing rounds, shareholders telling them how to run their business?
Flying concept: Audi & Airbus
Airbus and Audi team up to present the flying car concept: Pop.Up Next. The on-demand VTOL and car is basically a pod that can be attached to either wheels or a drone. Watch it transform above!
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