When Uber Black could no longer meet the needs of the elite clientele, New York's business professionals now have a more luxurious new option.Wheely, a top ride-hailing platform from LondonThey officially announced their entry into the US market, choosing New York City as their first stop.
Unlike typical ride-sharing platforms, Wheely strictly requires its fleet to use luxury vehicles such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Range Rover Long Wheelbase 4x4, Mercedes-Benz V-Class, or EQV, and emphasizes professionally trained "chauffeur" drivers. This announcement coincides with Uber's recent launch of a service targeting its top-tier customer base.Uber Elite serviceSoon, the battle for supremacy in the US luxury ride-hailing market officially began.
More than just ride-hailing: Fiji bottled water, hot towels, and a "personal driver for one day"
For Wheely founder and CEO Anton Chirkunov, expanding into New York was a natural strategic move. In a statement, he noted that New Yorkers who had previously experienced Wheely's services in Europe and the Middle East, as well as international business travelers who frequently visit the city, had long requested the platform to offer services in New York.
To make a name for itself in the highly competitive New York market, Wheely offers a highly differentiated and premium service experience:
• Wheely First:As the platform's flagship service, passengers will ride in the all-new Mercedes-Benz S-Class long-wheelbase version, where not only will Fiji premium mineral water be provided, but hot towels will also be available for passengers to wipe themselves and relax.
• Perfect Airport Pickup:The system and driver will track the passenger's flight status in real time to ensure that the car is already waiting outside the terminal at the exact moment the plane lands.
• Chauffeur for a Day:Users can "rent" the entire car and driver by the hour. Whether it's picking up or dropping off relatives and friends or running errands, a dedicated driver can handle it all.
Introducing a "driver academy" system, expanding to five major U.S. cities within three years.
Wheely's core secret to maintaining high standards of service lies in its internal "Chauffeur Academy".
Unlike the relatively lenient vetting processes of typical ride-hailing platforms, Wheely has brought its rigorous training and certification system to New York City. Drivers must not only possess excellent driving skills but also receive top-level etiquette and service training. The company plans to establish a top-tier fleet of 5000 qualified professional drivers in New York City within the next five years.
Wheely has already established a foothold in cities such as London, Paris, and Dubai.Bloomberg NewsAfter completing its initial launch in New York, Wheely plans to expand its footprint to five more major U.S. cities over the next three years, with potential targets including Texas, Miami, Palm Beach in Florida, and Washington, D.C.
The Battle for Top Customers: Uber Elite vs. the Future of Uber Air
The timing of Wheely's entry into the US is quite intriguing. Just about a week ago, Uber announced its new premium service, "Uber Elite," targeting a high-end customer base.
Although Uber Elite is currently only operating in trial phases in Los Angeles and San Francisco, with plans to expand to New York soon, Uber's massive user base and platform scale will be the biggest obstacle Wheely faces in the US market. Moreover, when it comes to "ultimate luxury" transportation, Uber even has a helicopter commuting option coming soon.Uber AirThis will be a physical barrier that traditional ground-based ride-hailing services will find difficult to overcome.
