Uber took taxi market by storm, investing in major markets globally, but the company may face a stiff competition from Addison Lee.
Addison has just announced some hefty investment, plugging £17m into new cars, purchasing 550 Ford Galaxy people carriers, as it renews 12 per cent of its 5,000 strong fleet.
Earlier this year profits were down as it battled the rise of mobile competitors like Uber.
But with the ride-hailing app now appealing an employment tribunal ruling that said Uber drivers were not self-employed but entitled to workers’ rights, it’s made for handy timing for the private car hire firm.
“This £17m investment shows just how committed we are to investing in a quality experience for all of our passengers,” Catherine Faiers, Addison Lee’s chief operating officer, said.
She added that it will provide “increased safety, comfort and efficiency” for the car service’s customers.
The new cars will be the Ford Galaxy Zetec, fitted with smart sensors as well as Addison Lee’s new driver app, that uses real-time traffic information to help assess the fastest route.
The investment marks part of Addison Lee’s growth strategy, which also involves some international acquisitions and partnerships. In June it was revealed the company was buying rival Tristar.