BMW and Daimler, Once Rivals, Join Forces to Fend Off Silicon Valley
BMW and Daimler, Once Rivals, Join Forces to Fend Off Silicon Valley Photo Combined, BMW’s DriveNow car-sharing service and Daimler’s Car2Go will have four million users, the companies said. Credit Inga Kjer/DPA, via Associated Press FRANKFURT — The German carmakers Daimler and BMW said on Thursday that they will merge their car-sharing businesses as they try to compete better with Silicon Valley companies out to upend the traditional automotive industry.
Daimler, the maker of Mercedes-Benz cars, and BMW said they would put their respective mobility services — an array of apps and services that provide transport options for people who may not own cars — into a joint venture in which they will own equal shares.
The alliance is a major departure for BMW and Daimler, longtime rivals for the affections of affluent car buyers. Along with Volkswagen’s Audi division, the pair dominate the global market for luxury vehicles. Still, they are in danger of being overwhelmed by the superior financi..