BENTELER Mobility, a division of the century-old BENTELER Group, offers an end-to-end solution for managing autonomous vehicle fleets. From deployment to operations, the company provides a full lifecycle approach focused on safety, scalability, and cost-efficiency. The partnership gives Lyft access to BENTELER’s deep automotive manufacturing expertise and extensive global supply chain, accelerating AV implementation timelines and lowering the cost to market.
Lyft will leverage BENTELER Mobility’s ecosystem of partners and turnkey capabilities to integrate AV technology into its rideshare network. The collaboration is a key move in Lyft’s long-term strategy to build a hybrid transportation network where autonomous vehicles and human drivers coexist to serve customers more effectively.
According to Lyft Executive Vice President of Driver Experience Jeremy Bird, “BENTELER Mobility is exactly the kind of partner Lyft needs to scale its AV ambitions. Their global reach, operational readiness, and commitment to owning and operating vehicles at scale sets them apart in the industry.”
The partnership will focus on four major areas:
1. AV Technology Integration:
HOLON’s autonomous urban shuttles, powered by Mobileye’s autonomous driving systems, will be available on the Lyft platform, beginning in key U.S. markets such as airports and city centers. Riders will be able to book these vehicles directly through the Lyft app. The shuttles will be part of a scalable plan with the potential to expand to thousands of vehicles globally.
2. Fleet Financing:
Lyft will collaborate with BENTELER Trading International, the sister company of BENTELER Mobility, to secure vehicle ownership and financing for the autonomous fleet. Tens of millions of dollars are earmarked for future AV expansion. This model supports Lyft’s goal of becoming the go-to platform for OEMs, tech companies, and fleet operators entering the AV sector.
3. Manufacturing and Integration:
Unlike most AV companies that retrofit traditional vehicles in small batches, BENTELER Mobility uses its automotive manufacturing expertise to produce AVs at scale. HOLON’s newly announced $100M production facility in Jacksonville, Florida, will be a key manufacturing hub for these vehicles, ensuring high-quality, cost-efficient output.
4. Expansion Opportunities:
Beyond HOLON’s shuttles, the BENTELER Group’s global production capabilities position the company to support Lyft with various vehicle types tailored to regional needs and regulations. This opens the door for further vehicle diversification and international growth of Lyft’s AV network.
Tobias Liebelt, CEO of BENTELER Mobility, emphasized the synergy between the companies: “Lyft’s innovative, user-focused approach aligns perfectly with our mission to scale autonomous mobility. Together, we’ll bring safe, efficient, and accessible transportation to the streets faster than ever before.”
Testing of the new autonomous shuttles on the Lyft network is expected to begin next year. Lyft plans to work closely with local governments and communities to ensure the responsible and inclusive rollout of these services, upholding strict safety standards.
This initiative builds on Lyft’s growing AV momentum, complementing ongoing partnerships with companies like May Mobility, Mobileye, Marubeni, and Nexar. With May Mobility AVs launching in Atlanta and Mobileye’s technology enabling “Lyft-ready” vehicles, the BENTELER Mobility alliance strengthens Lyft’s holistic approach to autonomous transportation — from vehicle integration and manufacturing to network deployment and fleet management.
As Lyft continues to invest in a more connected and accessible future, this partnership represents another major milestone in the company’s vision of making transportation truly for everyone.