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Getaround acquires Drivy in $300m deal

US car-share company Getaround has acquired European competitor Drivy in a $300 million deal, expanding its presence into France, Germany, Spain, Austria, Belgium and the UK. Getaround says the deal allows drivers in Europe to earn money by making their car available to rent on its service. Getaround’s patented technology platform - Getaround Connect - enables users to locate and unlock cars using their smartphone. Meanwhile, Drivy offers a smart unlock function – a connected technology which removes the
April 30, 2019 Read time: 2 mins
US car-share company 8262 Getaround has acquired European competitor Drivy in a $300 million deal, expanding its presence into France, Germany, Spain, Austria, Belgium and the UK.


Getaround says the deal allows drivers in Europe to earn money by making their car available to rent on its service.

Getaround’s patented technology platform - Getaround Connect - enables users to locate and unlock cars using their smartphone. Meanwhile, Drivy offers a smart unlock function – a connected technology which removes the need for renters and owners to meet to pick up car keys.

Paulin Dementhon, Drivy founder and CEO, says: "Car-sharing will replace car ownership in large urban markets, meeting consumer demands for instant and flexible transportation options, while also making cities more liveable by freeing them from idle cars and reducing congestion and pollution in the process.

Dementhon will remain in his role as CEO of Europe, as will Drivy’s executive team, to oversee European operations.

UTC

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