#Austria #Salzburg #Autonomous Mobility #BENTELER #ioki

BENTELER Group's Bold Move in Autonomous Mobility

In a groundbreaking development in the field of autonomous transport, the BENTELER Group has announced its acquisition of ioki GmbH, a prominent player in digital mobility solutions. This landmark agreement, finalized recently, positions BENTELER as the pioneer of a comprehensive, full-service autonomous mobility provider in Europe.

The Strategic Acquisition

The acquisition is not just about expanding BENTELER's portfolio; it's a strategic move to integrate the strengths of both companies. Ioki provides advanced software solutions for on-demand transport services, while BENTELER Mobility offers operational services and financing tailored for autonomous fleets. This synergy aims to streamline the rollout and operation of self-driving vehicles, enhancing the overall mobility framework for cities and transport providers.

A Combined Vision for Future Mobility

By merging their capabilities, BENTELER, ioki, and HOLON—an autonomous shuttle manufacturer—are uniquely positioned to deliver a cohesive mobility solution. The three companies are collaborating to offer municipalities and transport agencies a technology-rich package that includes vehicles, innovative software, and efficient operational services from a single source. This approach will not only simplify the adoption of autonomous transport solutions but also offer public transport systems a robust tool to enhance their services.

Ralf Göttel, the CEO of BENTELER Group, remarked, “This integrated model is exceptional in our sector. It fundamentally simplifies the deployment and management of autonomous vehicles for our clients.” With a history rooted in metal processing, BENTELER’s strategic evolution into the autonomous mobility domain marks a significant pivot, signaling innovative growth aspirations.

Tapping into New Markets

Ioki, established in 2018, has rapidly established itself with over 200 transport services and nearly 10 million passengers served to date. This success creates numerous growth opportunities following its transition into the BENTELER Group. With access to international markets, ioki's proven ridepooling software will be further refined, fostering a seamless transition for their customers into the autonomous transport era.

Michael Barillère-Scholz, co-founder and CEO of ioki, stated, “Our integration into the BENTELER Group empowers us to amplify our market leadership across borders. Our goal is to intelligently connect people, facilitating sustainable mobility through a combination of our software prowess and insights into public transport.” Under the BENTELER umbrella, ioki plans to maintain its vehicle and system-agnostic approach, allowing flexibility in the selection of HOLON vehicles alongside options from other providers.

Collaborating for Sustainable Mobility

As BENTELER, ioki, and HOLON embark on joint projects, their shared mission of making sustainable mobility universally accessible comes to the forefront. The collaboration aims to solidify their position as leaders in the evolving landscape of transport solutions, catering to cities and transit operations seeking to integrate autonomous vehicles effectively.

Conclusion

The BENTELER-ioki partnership heralds an exciting chapter for the future of autonomous mobility in Europe. By combining technology, operational expertise, and visionary leadership, they are not only addressing current transport challenges but are also shaping a sustainable, connected future for urban environments. The seamless integration of their services promises a robust enhancement to public transport systems, ensuring they remain at the forefront of innovation and efficiency.