PSA Brings Mobility Services App to U.S.

This week PSA Group expanded its Free2Move mobility services platform to the U.S.

The French carmaker, which introduced the app a year ago in Europe, aims to make Free2Move the leading mobility services platform worldwide by 2030. Daimler launched a similar business in April 2016 with its Moovel unit, which integrated the company’s by RideScout and GlobeSherpa technologies.

The so-called mobility-as-a-service platforms allow users to search, book and otherwise manage various transportation providers via a single app. Free2Move connects car-sharing, ride-hailing, bike-sharing, public transit and other transportation services, which pay a fee to PSA for participating in the program.

Among the initial companies to join the network are sharing providers Zipcar and Daimler's Car2Go. TravelCar, a peer-to-peer airport car-sharing service, and several bike-share groups are due to join later this month.

Free2Move’s U.S. rollout started in Seattle and Portland, Ore. Other markets are expected to be added soon.

PSA, which purchased General Motors Co.’s Opel/Vauxhall operations in Europe earlier this year, plans to relaunch car sales in the U.S. sometime next decade. The carmaker hired former TrueCar and Nissan executive Larry Dominique in April to lead the effort. PSA’s Citroen and Peugeot brands exited the American market in 1974 and 1991, respectively.