This week’s highlights include strategic moves from Booking.com, Grab, and Lyft, new partnerships reshaping airport transfers, and emerging regional competitors across Asia and North America. Stay informed on the trends and players defining the future of ground transportation.
Industry Leadership and M&A
Booking.com CEO on the Future of Travel
Glenn Fogel discusses Booking Holdings’ strategic focus, AI-driven changes in travel, and the loyalty economy. Read on Time
Grab Reportedly Eyes GoTo Acquisition
Grab is reportedly in talks to acquire Indonesian tech giant GoTo in Q2 2025—a move that could reshape Southeast Asia’s mobility and e-commerce sectors. Read the report
GroundLink Founder Sentenced
Alex Mashinsky, formerly known for his role in launching GroundLink, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison in a separate fraud case. Full article on Wired
Ride-Hailing & Tech Developments
Tesla Begins FSD Ride-Hail Testing
Tesla has started supervised testing of its Full Self-Driving ride-hailing service with employees in Austin and the Bay Area. Read on TechCrunch
Uber and Delta Announce Loyalty Program
Uber users can now earn Delta SkyMiles across services:
- 1 mile per dollar on Uber Eats (orders over $40)
- 1 mile per dollar on UberX airport trips
- 2 miles per dollar on Uber Comfort and Black
- 3 miles per dollar on Uber Reserve
Program details
Uber Launches Integrated Ride-Eats Experience
Uber introduces a unified app experience combining rides, food delivery, and discounts. More on Axios
Lyft Adds AI Driver Tools and Mapping Tech
Lyft debuts an AI-powered earnings assistant and partners with BeeMaps for decentralized mapping infrastructure. AI assistant coverage Decentralized maps
Airport Transfers and Luxury Mobility
Emelx Expands Premium Airport Services
Emelx announces expansion in the luxury airport transfer segment, signaling a rising trend in high-end transportation. Read more
Montréal Trudeau Selects Taxelco for Taxi Operations
In a groundbreaking move, Taxelco has been chosen to manage all taxi operations at Montréal’s primary international airport. Travel & Tour World
VinFast Focuses on Asia Expansion
Vietnam’s VinFast will increase its focus on the Asian market to grow its EV and mobility footprint. Read more
Regional Mobility Developments
Grab Launches ‘GrabExecutive’ Premium Service
Grab introduces a premium ride-hailing tier targeting corporate and executive travelers in Southeast Asia. Press release
DiDi Launches Private Rides in Hong Kong
DiDi expands into Hong Kong with a private ride-hailing service, signaling more competition in the region. Details
Vietnam’s Xanh SM Enters Food Delivery
Electric taxi operator Xanh SM has officially launched its food delivery business, entering the last-mile competition. Read on Tuoi Tre
Athens Taxi Strike Threatens Travel
Taxi drivers in Athens have announced a possible strike that may disrupt travel plans for visitors at the airport. Travel & Tour World
Indonesia’s Ride-Hailing Drivers Strike for Fair Pay
Motorcycle ride-hailing drivers in Indonesia protest across Jakarta and other major cities, demanding better pay and transparency from Grab and GoTo platforms. Channel News Asia
Investments and Partnerships
Klook Raises $100M from Vitruvian Partners
Klook secures new funding to expand its in-destination travel and mobility experience offerings.
Funding news
Kakao Mobility Partners with Japan’s X Taxi
Kakao Mobility and X Taxi form a new alliance to connect cross-border travelers between Korea and Japan.
Coverage on Korea Times
