Toyota invests in mobility firm
- June 19, 2017
- Posted by: Simon Wait
- Category: Industry News
Toyota Financial Services (TFS) and Aioi Nissay Dowa Insurance Co Ltd (AD) have made a significant investment in the Finnish company, MaaS Global Ltd.
MaaS Global Ltd was established in April 2016 to provide multi-modal transportation services.
Through its ‘Whim’ app, it enables customers to purchase a monthly subscription package that is tailored to their transportation needs (currently this includes public transport, e-hailing and car rental). The app is already operating in Helsinki with plans this year to expand to three other major cities in Europe and then expand to other cities around the Globe.
AD and TFS are investing to explore a co-operation model for multi-modal mobility solutions, including the necessary technology. This investment will help MaaS Global accelerate market entry and build a long term and loyal customer base.
Yasuzo Kanasugi, president of AD, said, ‘We are delighted with this joint investment which represents a concreate step in the journey to create sustainable mobility solutions which both meet our customers’ expectations, and enhance their personal safety.’
Inuzuka, CEO of TFS added, ‘We are very pleased to partner with MaaS Global and work together on the development of multi-modal mobility solutions. The vision and business model of MaaS Global marries with Toyota’s strategic objective to serve the mobility needs of our current and future customers.’
Sampo Hietanen, CEO and founder of MaaS Global Ltd, said, ‘We are really excited to start working with Toyota, and the opportunities our collaboration will bring. We at MaaS Global admire the dedication of Toyota to customer and quality and want to bring the same experience to digital era with our Whim app.’
