VW Group acquires Finnish ride-pooling specialist

MOIA, VW Group's new mobility company, has acquired Split Finland. Founded in as Ajelo, the software developers designed the programming that powers Kutsuplus, the ride-pooling concept operated by Helsinki Regional Transport. 

In 2014, the company was acquired by US ride-pooling specialist Split, in order to develop a similar system for Washington DC. Renamed Split Finland after that acquisition, it will henceforth be known as MOIA Finland. 

In its new role, the company will focus on developing the algorithms for MOIA's own ride-pooling concept. "From now on, Finland will be our expert hub and development location for the pooling algorithms behind MOIA's shuttle-on-demand", says Ole Harms, MOIA’s CEO.

Ajelo developed the first automated pooling solution: an app calculates the most efficient route to process a maximum number of ride requests, minimising the number of pool vehicles needed. 

Launched in January, MOIA is a young and growing team located in Berlin and Hamburg. Its main focus is the development of a ride-pooling concept centred on a shuttle on demand. "This represents the transition of the well-known 'dial-a-ride' concept into the digital age. Split Finland’s pooling algorithm will be an important pillar for our future shuttle offering," says Robert Henrich, MOIA’s COO. 

Image: MOIA