French brand’s app aggregates existing transport solutions and marks first step in US plan.
05 Oct 2017 | 2430 Views | By Sam Sheehan, Autocar UK
PSA Group has taken its first step towards entering the US market by launching its smartphone app Free2Move there.
The US version of the app, currently only confirmed for Seattle, aggregates existing transport solutions, such as car and bike sharing systems, to enable intelligent journey planning for users, in much the same way ...
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PSA Group has taken its first step towards entering the US market by launching its smartphone app Free2Move there.
The US version of the app, currently only confirmed for Seattle, aggregates existing transport solutions, such as car and bike sharing systems, to enable intelligent journey planning for users, in much the same way that the CityMapper app offers advice for public transport.
Free2Move is already running in Europe in seven countries, including the UK.
Although it is owned by PSA, the app includes mobility companies owned by rival brands, such as Daimler’s Car2Go. Other big brands featured include Zipcar.
“The decision to launch a service that helps people move around in the most efficient way underscores our commitment to the future of PSA,” said the company’s North America CEO, Larry Dominique.
“As mobility services evolve and innovate based on the way people think about and consume mobility, bringing Free2Move stateside provides us with a unique way to address consumer demands, as well as a flexible platform to roll out future products.”
Although the app's entry into the US makes PSA a mobility company there rather than a car maker, the French brand - parent to Citroën, Peugeot and DS, as well as Opel and Vauxhall - has plans to sell cars there next decade as part of its ‘Push to Pass’ strategy.
"We’re pleased to announce today that we will begin our North American operations in Seattle,” said PSA senior vice-president of mobility, Brigitte Courtehoux. “As we begin to add more providers and roll out to new cities, Free2Move will enrich the lives of Americans who embrace innovative, non-traditional forms of transportation.”