Ford's strategic move to a smart mobility company now sees its German unit and Deutsche Bahn Connect, a subsidiary of rail operator Deutsche Bahn AG, extending their collaboration in mobility services from car sharing to bike sharing.
Next month, 3,200 FordPass bicycles will be made available via Deutsche Bahn's Call a Bike hire system to cyclists in Cologne and Düsseldorf, as Ford of Germany becomes the first car maker to help deliver a bike sharing service in Europe.
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"As a mobility provider, we will collaborate on sustainable solutions that supplement the transportation system in a way that makes sense, particularly in inner city areas. For this reason, we are launching the bike sharing service together with Germany's market leader," said Steven Armstrong, group vice president and president, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Ford Motor Company, announcing the partnership at New Mobility World, the forum on future mobility at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt.
Customers will be able to use the FordPass mobile app to register for Call a Bike, find the nearest available bicycle, and pay for it online. The app can already be used to access the car sharing service, to locate parking spaces, or find the lowest fuel prices at nearby garages.
Ford and Deutsche Bahn Connect have since 2013 collaborated on a car sharing service, and in August this year, Ford announced 100,000 free one-year Call a Bike memberships for its customers.
"We launched a joint car sharing project four years ago as part of Ford's s expansion into mobility services," said Wolfgang Kopplin, deputy chairman, Ford of Germany. "Our bike sharing project is yet another step on the way to implementing this strategy. It will enable us to supplement transportation systems in the cities with a completely pollution-free component and provide an environmentally friendly, and low-cost service for increasing numbers of customers."
Deutsche Bahn Connect will operate the new service and handle customer enquiries for the fleet of brand new FordPass branded bikes that will have its own colour scheme. The bicycles can also be rented via the Call a Bike app.
