"We Don’t Want to Offset Anymore but Stop Emitting" - Blacklane CEO, Dr Jens Wohltorf

Blacklane was launched in 2011 with a vision to connect guests with professional chauffeurs around the globe while maintaining a competitive, transparent pricing model. It now offers its services in over 50 countries. Its financial backers include Mercedes-Benz and the international car hire giant Sixt. 

"My co-founder Frank Steuer and I wanted to create a company that has impact. Our goal was to found an organisation where its members are looking forward to being at work, and have the freedom to drive projects that interest them,"  Dr Jens Wohltorf, Co-Founder and CEO of Blacklane, tells Auto Futures.

In addition, they are also passionate about ‘democratising’ chauffeur services.

"We aimed to make chauffeur services accessible to a broader audience through better utilisation of idle capacities and consequently a more competitive and transparent pricing model. This also ensures a sustainable income to our tens of thousands of chauffeurs around the world."

Blacklane has been carbon offsetting its rides since 2017, which was an industry first. No opt in or extra charges are required.

"We’re working with our offset partners to continue offsetting all our ride emissions going forward. To make sure we have a clear view on what we’ve achieved and what we can develop further, we partner with independent advisors that offer third-party verification of our carbon footprint and offset program and to support us going forward.  But ultimately, we don’t want to offset anymore but stop emitting," he explains.

Sustainability is hugely important to Blacklane, as well as its customers, says Dr Wohltorf.

"We are on track to deliver our commitment of 50% of rides using electric vehicles by 2025, and are already offsetting all rides dating back to our founding in 2011. In London, over 25% of rides are delivered  in a fully battery electric vehicle, and in Dubai it is at 100% already."

The group has also positioned itself as a rival to short-haul air transportation. All rides have a fixed fare including taxes and tolls, guaranteeing a transparent pricing model. 

"Swapping your short-haul flight with a premium chauffeured ride, specifically the city-to-city service which connects metropolitan areas, is a real alternative and gets guests where they need to be, safely, stress free, seamlessly and more sustainably. Blacklane introduced its city-to-city service in early 2023, now operating 187 routes across 14 countries."

Collaboration Is Key

Blacklane recently announced a strategic partnership with Sixt and its involvement as an investor in its latest round of funding which raised 34 Million euros. 

"Sixt’s extensive experience in the ground transportation and travel industry, combined with our expertise in premium chauffeur services, create a powerful bond that will drive both company’s global growth and innovation and solidify Blacklane’s position as industry leader. Our first close collaboration is in the U.S. - a key market for both companies - with other markets to follow," says Dr Wohltorf.

The funding will help the company strengthen its position as a leader in premium mobility.

"Coming out of a highly successful period where Blacklane quadrupled revenues in 2022 year on year, we plan to accelerate company growth by investing in and expanding our city-to-city program as well as developing our local markets. Additionally, the funding will support Blacklane’s sustainability efforts by implementing innovative mobility solutions."

In the UAE, it has partnered with Gargash Group, one of the region's leading business conglomerates. It now offers a range of services, including in-city rides, airport transfers, city-to-city commute, by-the-hour and daily services  as well as inter-emirate travel.

"These services launched in Dubai in 2023 have become a game-changer for both business and private clients, providing seamless and reliable transportation solutions. Our dedicated team of professional chauffeurs are trained to the highest standards of service, safety, etiquette and discretion, and are all accredited through our Chauffeur Academy. We have already reached a female chauffeur share of over 50% in the UAE." 

"Our all-electric fleet of the Mercedes-Benz EQS provides ventilated seats, in-chair massage functions, ambient lighting and in-cabin noise cancellation, so our customers can sit back and relax or work on the go if needed," he adds.

An Interconnected Web Of Mobility

Finally we asked Dr Wohltorf for his thoughts on what urban mobility and transportation will look like by 2030.

"The concept of car ownership is evolving as fewer people own a car. That gives rise to services such as ours, and also changes the way we travel by making the mobility mix much more interesting. I am a good example of this myself. Depending on the situation, I will blacklane it, use a scooter, take the subway or walk," he predicts.

Other key themes are connectivity and sustainability.

"We are witnessing the rise of smart cities where data-driven insights are used to regulate traffic flows, reduce energy consumption, and enhance the overall urban experience. The Internet of Things (IoT) will be linking vehicles, infrastructures and even our guests, thereby creating a web of interconnected mobility."

"The shift towards electric vehicles (EVs) is a linchpin of a greener and more sustainable future. Blacklane works closely with our chauffeurs to offer them sustainable income as well as regular training," he adds.

"The future of transportation and technology holds the promise of safer, more efficient, comfortable and sustainable mobility. It’s not just about the vehicles, it’s how we integrate with our lives and our communities," concludes Dr Wohltorf.