SIXT and chauffeured service Blacklane recently expanded their access to ride-hailing customers by enabling SIXT rental car clients to book luxury trips through SIXT ride in North America via the SIXT app and SIXT.com.
SIXT ride is the ride-hailing and premium chauffeur services offering of SIXT. This enables more convenience and flexibility for SIXT ride customers looking to book premium travel in the U.S. and Canada, as SIXT ride users now have access to Blacklane’s wide range of services that cater to business and leisure travelers in addition to the existing SIXT ride-hailing offering.
By integrating Blacklane as a trusted partner in the ride-hailing and chauffeur services offered through SIXT ride, customers will benefit from a broader selection of high-quality options such as airport transfers, in-city rides, chauffeur-by-the-hour bookings, and city-to-city connections between metro areas.
Customers will see more choices among vehicle types that fit every occasion including first class (the latest top range models i.e. Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7-Series), business class (vehicle classes such as Chevrolet Suburban, Cadillac Escalade), electric class, and business van/SUVs. All bookings can be made via SIXT app or SIXT.com/ride, selecting the ride option and their destination. This allows customers to efficiently manage all their mobility needs in one place.
SIXT now provides its customers with premium mobility options across car rental, subscription, ride-hailing and chauffeur services, said Tom Kennedy, president of SIXT North America in a June 20 news release. “Blacklane Is a valued partner as SIXT expands its footprint across North America, the most important growth market for both companies.”
Kyle Fackler, head of market management Americas at Blacklane, added, “Their extensive experience in the area of premium ride services, combined with Blacklane’s luxury offering and presence in North America, create a powerful combination that will drive both company’s (North American) market growth.”
This news follows a Sept. 27, 2023, announcement of SIXT becoming one of Blacklane’s important shareholders. Blacklane and SIXT said at the time they will jointly work on expanding their footprint in international markets, with a special focus on North America.
The investment marked the second closing of Blacklane’s series F funding, providing Blacklane with a significant million-euro investment at a valuation roughly 50% higher than the previous one from 2020. The first round of this F series was backed by prominent investors Mercedes-Benz Mobility and the United Arab Emirates-based Gargash Group, driving Blacklane’s growth in the Middle East.
Blacklane, based in Berlin, Germany, has 300 employees and thousands of chauffeur partners providing luxury service. SIXT SE is based in Pullach, Germany, near Munich.