Daimler Hikes State in Uber Rival Blacklane

Daimler AG has boosted its investment in Blacklane GmbH, a German-based car-hailing rival to Uber Technologies Inc.

The company did not disclose the size of the new investment. But Bloomberg News says Daimler led a group of investors that pumped more than €10 million ($11 million) into the 5-year-old startup. The carmaker says it has has invested in Blacklane since 2013.

Blacklane caters to global travelers with on-demand transportation provided by professionally licensed and insured chauffeurs in 200 cities in 50 countries. The service promises fixed prices and as much as one hour of free wait time for airport pickups. Customers access Blacklane online or with a smartphone app.

The company says it will spend the new funding to expand in Asia Pacific and Middle East.