Car sharing firm Co-wheels has joined up with the Oply network as part of a new joint venture.
The new Oply UK features investment from European mobility provider Examotive, and SAIC Motor, the owner of car manufacturer MG.
Co-wheels currently operates in more than 40 UK towns and cities, delivering car sharing and fleet management to major corporations and public sector organisations.
It says the new deal will allow rapid expansion of the fleet in both new and existing locations. It also says extra resources will allow services to improve, and for a wider range of mobility solutions to be offered in future.
Under the deal, directors Richard Falconer and Paul Balmont will continue to lead the Co-wheels operation.
Balmont (pictured) said: “Mobility is developing at a rapid pace and we are determined to ensure Co-wheels is at the forefront [of this sector], whilst ensuring our members continue to be offered the best user experience.
“For some time we have been searching for partners who could help us achieve this vision at a pace faster than would be possible on our own, and we are delighted to become a part of the Oply network and be working with partners who share our ideals and vision.”
Examotive CEO Mauro Mariani, said: “The UK is an important and growing market for car sharing and we are excited to be investing in Co-wheels as there is real potential to do so much more together.
“The directors and their team have done a great job in getting the company to where it is today and this deal can be a real springboard for a period of accelerated growth and enhancements in the ‘on demand’ mobility offering.”
SAIC Europe vice president Jerry Hong said: “Investment in both Examotive and Co-wheels is an important milestone to build up our partnership with a shared mobility player.
“We expect our new MG full electric products will be part of Examotive and Co-wheels’ fleets and will be well accepted by customers in the near future.”
