Autonomous Shuttle Venture by Lyft and Benteler Mobility Unveiled
Lyft Partners with BENTELER Mobility to Expand Autonomous Vehicle Efforts
Lyft, the popular ride-sharing company, has announced a partnership with BENTELER Mobility, a mobility-as-a-service provider, to expand its autonomous vehicle (AV) efforts. This collaboration aims to introduce purpose-built autonomous shuttles to Lyft’s ride-sharing platform, starting from late 2026 [1][2][3].
The partnership with BENTELER Mobility is a significant step in Lyft’s vision of making transportation truly for everyone. BENTELER Group's global production capabilities can support Lyft with various vehicle types tailored to regional needs and regulations [4].
The initial deployment of self-driving shuttle services will focus on airports and city centers across the United States, expanding access to shared, on-demand autonomous mobility within urban environments [1][2][4]. HOLON GmbH, a subsidiary of BENTELER Mobility, will provide the autonomous urban shuttles, powered by Mobileye’s autonomous driving systems [1][2].
BENTELER Mobility offers an end-to-end solution for managing autonomous vehicle fleets, leveraging its automotive-grade platforms and manufacturing expertise [1][3]. Their new $100 million production facility in Jacksonville, Florida, will support scalable fleet growth and future expansion into additional cities and vehicle types [1][3][4].
Lyft will collaborate with BENTELER Trading International for vehicle ownership and financing for the autonomous fleet [1]. The company also plans to work closely with local governments and communities to ensure the responsible and inclusive rollout of these services [1].
Tobias Liebelt, CEO of BENTELER Mobility, emphasized the synergy between the companies, stating, "We are excited to partner with Lyft to bring autonomous mobility to millions of people across the United States. Our deep automotive manufacturing expertise, combined with Lyft's leading ride-sharing platform, will create a powerful combination for the future of transportation" [2].
This partnership builds on Lyft's growing AV momentum, complementing ongoing partnerships with companies like May Mobility, Mobileye, Marubeni, and Nexar [1]. With tens of millions of dollars earmarked for future AV expansion, the partnership represents another major milestone in Lyft's journey towards a hybrid ride-hailing network where autonomous vehicles and human drivers operate side-by-side [1][2][3].
Testing of the new autonomous shuttles on the Lyft network is expected to begin next year, with the aim to introduce these services to Lyft's network of over 44 million annual riders [1][2][3]. This partnership strengthens Lyft's holistic approach to autonomous transportation, paving the way for a more efficient, safe, and accessible ride-sharing experience for all.
[1] Lyft Press Release: [Link to the press release] [2] BENTELER Mobility Press Release: [Link to the press release] [3] Mobileye Press Release: [Link to the press release] [4] HOLON GmbH Press Release: [Link to the press release]
The partnership between Lyft and BENTELER Mobility marks a significant milestone in the autonomous vehicle industry, as they aim to introduce purpose-built autonomous shuttles on Lyft's ride-sharing platform. This collaboration also signifies a major step forward in financing for the autonomous fleet, as Lyft will collaborate with BENTELER Trading International for vehicle ownership and financing. The new production facility in Jacksonville, Florida, will support scalable fleet growth and future expansion into various vehicle types. The intention is to ensure transportation becomes truly accessible for everyone, particularly in city centers and airports across the United States, through the use of technology and autonomous vehicles.
