Wheely, a London-based chauffeur-hailing service, has launched in New York City, expanding its operations beyond London, Paris, and Dubai. This entry into the U.S. market aims to cater to business executives and VIPs seeking premium transportation options, featuring vehicles like Cadillacs and Mercedes.
Customers can choose from various services, including Wheely First, which provides a Mercedes-Benz S-Class W223 equipped with luxury amenities such as Fiji water and towels. Additionally, the company offers a Perfect Airport Pickup service that tracks flights for timely pickups and a Chauffeur for a Day option to assist with errands or transporting friends.
Wheely plans to grow its network to 5,000 qualified drivers in New York over the next five years through its in-house "Chauffeur Academy." The company intends to expand to five more major U.S. cities in the next three years, with potential markets including Texas, Miami, Palm Beach, and Washington, D.C.
Wheely's launch follows Uber's announcement of its Elite program, which targets a similar high-end clientele but is currently limited to Los Angeles and San Francisco, with New York expansion forthcoming.