WHILL and Tokio Marine Holdings Establish Capital Alliance to Expand Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) Initiatives Worldwide
The new alliance includes a significant financial investment from Tokio Marine Holdings
San Francisco – September 30, 2019 – WHILL, maker of the cutting-edge Model Ci and Model A Intelligent Personal Electric Vehicles (EVs), today announced its capital alliance with Tokio Marine Holdings, a multinational insurance holding company headquartered in Tokyo, to help further the rapid growth of WHILL’s Mobility-as-a-Service (MaaS) initiatives. The additional funding comes on the heels of WHILL’s partnership with Scootaround to support an inclusive pedestrian travel solution for the global aging population.
MaaS is defined as the integration of various forms of transport services into a single mobility service accessible on demand. Companies and new technologies are innovating within the MaaS industry, but there has been limited innovation around moving shorter distances – especially for people with reduced mobility. WHILL and Scootaround aim to improve the current travel landscape for mobility device users by increasing their freedom and independence in airports, sports venues, shopping centers and public sidewalks.
“The ultimate goal is to become a public transportation solution for pedestrian travel globally,” said Satoshi Sugie, CEO of WHILL. “Companies like Lime and Mobike have done a good job offering MaaS transport options, but they are not for everyone. This investment will help us fill the gap for people with reduced mobility, providing a more inclusive solution.”
The new MaaS model combines WHILL’s sleek and intuitive Personal EVs with Scootaround’s worldwide rental, repair and mobility management services, building the technology and infrastructure to help shape the future of personal mobility.
For more information on WHILL, visit www.whill.us.
For more information on Tokio Marine Holdings, visit www.tokiomarinehd.com/en/.
About WHILL:
WHILL has been on a mission since its founding in 2012 to transform the traditional wheelchair and scooter experience. With innovative design and state-of-the-art technology, WHILL created a new category of Intelligent Personal Electric Vehicles (EVs) to increase user confidence and independence. WHILL is reinventing the personal mobility industry with approachable and aesthetically pleasing powered vehicles that push the boundaries of personal transportation. WHILL’s current models of Intelligent Personal EVs include the Model Ci and Model A, which are both available to test drive and purchase.
In fall of 2018, the company joined forces with Scootaround – a leading personal transportation solutions company – to form a worldwide platform for assistive devices. Coupling WHILL’s Personal EVs with Scootaround’s device rental service means the team has the ability to accommodate each person’s diverse range of travel needs.
Headquartered in Yokohama, Japan with strategic offices in the US, Canada, and EU, WHILL is focused on helping people with mobility issues increase their freedom and independence.
About Tokio Marine Holdings:
Tokio Marine was established in 1879 as Japan’s first insurance company, with the mission to support the modernization of Japan’s economy and make everyone’s life better. 140 years later, our network of companies has reached 45 countries and helps people and businesses prosper. We are committed to protecting our clients and society from risks – this has always been what we do and has been consistent throughout our history. Our vision: “to be a Good Company” and our way of doing business can never change.
Tokio Marine Group consists of 241 subsidiaries and 25 affiliates. We have built a globally balanced business portfolio with a diverse range of talented employees who embody our Group DNA.
Media Contact
Hannah Young
Uproar PR for WHILL
HYoung@uproarpr.com
321.236.0102
