Popular ride-hailing service Uber will soon offer hot air balloon services to millions of Chinese customers.
Uber+Travel will provide a range of services that will include balloons, boats and helicopters. Promotional videos for UberBoat and UberBalloon were shared this week at TechCrunch Shanghai, which runs through Wednesday.
“This reminds us that Uber is a global service serving global citizens,” Kate Wang, Uber China’s vice president of operations, said to Tech Crunch Monday. “It is rooted in each of the cities.”
Uber Technologies Inc. historically nets annual profits of more than $1 billion per year in its 30 most profitable cities, but it has struggled by an almost equal margin in China because of stiff local competition. Its new ventures may help turn the tide.
Ms. Wang told the website that Uber’s goal is to ultimately create a commerce service “that understands life and a proper life.”
The company, which was started by Travis Kalanick and Garrett Camp in 2008, said it will be China’s largest ride service within one year. Its fiercest competitor is a company called Didi Chuxing.
• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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