ALD Automotive to offer vehicles as part of mobility as a service pilot

Launched in 2016, the WHIM app combines travel options from different transport providers through a single mobile service.

Available through a monthly financial package, subscribers use the app to determine the best transport option for every journey they take – whether it’s a taxi, public transport, a car service or a bike share for both professional or personal usage.

Reserving and unlocking the shared ALD cars is done through the Whim app. There will be five different car models available (Volkswagen Golf Variant, Nissan Note, Skoda Fabia Combi, Toyota Auris Touring Sport, and Lexus CT 200h), branded with the logos of both Whim and ALD Automotive.

Prices start from €22 for the first two hours and then €5 for every 30 minutes after that up to a maximum charge of €89 a day.

John Saffrett, ALD chief operating officer, said: “Our ambition is to be at the forefront of changes in mobility and partnering up with MaaS Global will enable us to benefit from the company’s experience and expertise in the field of Mobility as a Service while broadening our presence in the consumer market.”

Helsinki was WHIM’s launch market, but it also had a soft launch in the UK in the West Midlands region in Spring 2017. It lets those in Birmingham integrate public transport, rental cars, taxis, trains, bikes into a combined service.

Backed by organisations including Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), Mayor Andy Street and the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA), Whim is now looking for the first 500 people to sign up to the scheme and is offering a £30 free travel credit to those that do.