Volkswagen’s MOIA Acquires Split Finland Oy
Volkswagen Group’s firm MOIA, focused on the emerging new mobility sector, is acquiring the pioneering Finland-based software firm Split Finland Oy.
As a result of the acquisition, Split Finland Oy will become MOIA Finland Oy and will be refocused around the development for software and pooling algorithms for use in/with MOIA’s ride-pooling concept service, under the team leadership of cofounder Teemu Sihvola.
“We are delighted to welcome our new colleagues in Finland who have pioneered the digital ride-pooling. Their competence and experience will play an important role in the development of MOIA,” commented Ole Harms, MOIA’s CEO. “From now on, Finland will be our expert hub and development location for the pooling algorithms behind MOIA’s shuttle-on-demand.”
The press release provides more: “Split Finland was founded in 2011 as Ajelo Oy. Up to 2015 the Finnish start-up developed the software behind the ride-pooling concept Kutsuplus, which was operated by Helsinki Region Transport. The US-based ride-pooling company Split took over Ajelo in 2014 with the goal of using its software to develop a ride-pooling concept in Washington DC.
“Ajelo developed the world’s first fully automated pooling solution. That technology enables ride requests from users who are travelling in similar directions to be served with just one vehicle in a fully automated and dynamic way. Would-be passengers use an app to notify the system of their location and destination. An algorithm then calculates the most efficient route possible for the shuttle. This is the only way to make highly efficient and sustainable real-time shared mobility possible.”
As far as Volkswagen Group’s MOIA, as we reported previously, the group is focused around the development and commercialization of a ride-pooling concept — probably more accurately described as an on-demand taxi service — with the intent being to keep up with the rapid changes occurring and expected to occur in the transportation sector. MOIA currently employs around 50 people in Hamburg and Berlin.
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