In a significant shift from its previous stance, Uber is now extending an olive branch to the taxi industry in Germany by opening its app to all taxi operators across the country. Previously limited to 16 German cities, Uber's platform will now allow taxi drivers and rental car companies nationwide to leverage its technology to access a wider customer base and boost their business.
This strategic move aligns with Uber's global shift towards collaborating with taxi companies instead of solely focusing on competing with them. Uber's Germany boss, Christoph Weigler, emphasises the benefits of digitisation for the taxi industry, stating that taxis can leverage the app's technology, customer base, and active marketing to increase their orders and revenue.
The expansion of Uber's services puts it in direct competition with traditional taxi call centres and other ride-hailing platforms like Bolt and Freenow. However, Uber stresses that it only collaborates with licensed taxi and rental car companies, ensuring that all drivers possess the necessary licenses and insurance for passenger transportation.
