Wunder Mobility Podcast

The intelligence layer behind shared fleets: utilization math, demand prediction, and the gig crowd that keeps free-floating car sharing moving. Profitability in free-floating car sharing starts at 4–7 rides per car per day. In strong cities like Berlin or Milan, 7–9 rides per car per day are realistic. Utilization in free-floating remains structurally low. Even in best-case scenarios, vehicles are in use only 25–35% of the time — leaving real upside for autonomous repositioning. Walking distance is the silent KPI. 300–500 meters is the sweet spot; beyond 1,000 meters, willingness to use the service drops sharply. Fleet density matters more than headlines. Roughly 5–15 cars per square kilometer, scaled to city size and density of public transport hubs. Pricing innovation is moving beyond minutes and hours. Kilometer-based pricing (popularized by Miles), day-based rentals, dynamic and zone-based pricing, drop-off fees and insurance upsells are now the real margin levers. Upsells punch above their revenue weight. A €1 deductible reduction on a €10 trip is "only" 10% more revenue — but can double trip-level margin. Necture's intelligence layer combines many data sources. Historical movement, mobile network operator data, weather, public transport hubs, events and app openings feed individualized hot/cold zones per city. 24-hour demand forecasts land within ~10–15% accuracy. Enough to drive relocations, dynamic pricing and meaningful revenue uplift of 25–50%, in some cases higher. Street Crowd turns the intelligence into action. A community-based gig network — e.g., ~5,000 users in Dublin — handles relocations and operational tasks at fulfilment rates around 90%. Relocation is not about chasing single rides. It's about freeing vehicles from cold zones where they would otherwise sit idle for a day, and managing parking-cost hotspots like airports. Autonomy will reach scale in 2–3 years, not next year. Only a few bold operators will deploy autonomous or tele-operated vehicles in 2026 — mainly to learn about utilization, customer access and parking. Car sharing operators are well positioned for the autonomous era. Fleet management, maintenance, customer identification and density know-how translate directly into AV fulfilment.

Zero emissions, zero accidents, zero ownership—and why Europe's mobility future is still being written The "three zeros" framework: emissions, accidents, ownership—still relevant after a decade Automotive industry pushback against electrification and autonomy is intensifying Globalization under pressure: European firms rethinking US and Chinese partnerships Public transport operators emerging as key players in autonomous mobility Investment appetite for autonomous mobility startups is growing Fleet management and maintenance as underrated business opportunities Car sharing operators hold transferable skill sets for the autonomous era Europe's path to AV deployment: different from the US, but full of potential European AV Summit as a catalyst for cross-sector partnerships

Car sharing at scale: iteration, EV economics, and why teleops won’t be the endgame Iteration at scale: fast decision cycles and rapid correction loops Backend complexity drives competitive advantage Market share feels dominant—but growth vs. private car ownership remains enormous EVs are the future, but not yet the cost breakthrough many expect Cities must align EV expectations with private car policy Teleoperations ≠ the endgame; autonomy is the structural shift Europe’s constraint is regulation more than technology Fleet operators may become key AV fulfillment partners

A deep dive into how shared mobility matured in 2025—and what operational excellence, city control, and autonomy mean for the industry in 2026. Shared mobility is shifting from “VC case” to infrastructure. 2025 accelerated consolidation and profitability-first strategies. Cities are taking more control. Longer, stricter contracts and SLAs are increasingly defining who wins tenders. **Utilization is the north-star metric. **Operators are optimizing rides per vehicle, downtime, and rebalancing—not just fleet size. **Software is overtaking hardware as the innovation frontier. **Predictive maintenance, fraud prevention, automation, and pricing are key levers. Regional champions are rising. Local operational excellence and city-specific know-how outperform “global brand” ambitions. Wunder is refocusing on depth, not breadth. Fewer use cases, stronger support for sophisticated operators with engineering capacity. Velocity must be paired with stability. In mission-critical mobility systems, uptime and monitoring are product features. 2026 may bring public-transport-like regulation—without subsidies. Expect “public responsibility with private risk.” **Packaging will evolve toward subscriptions and bundles. **More integration with public transport passes and MaaS-like offerings. **AVs introduce new strategic questions. **Early pilots in 2026 could accelerate convergence between vehicle sharing and ride-hailing, and intensify debates about public vs. private market structures.

How Software, AI, and Autonomy Are Reshaping Shared Mobility Economics Takeaways Shared mobility success is driven by availability. For users, proximity and reliability matter more than brand—matching supply and demand at street level remains the core challenge. The real complexity of mobility lives in the backend. Apps are only the visible layer; fleet management, vehicle integrations, billing, payments, and operations create most of the technical and operational burden. Shared mobility is maturing from growth to optimization. As markets saturate, operators are shifting focus from expansion to profitability, utilization, and operational efficiency. Autonomous vehicles are a potential efficiency game-changer. Self-repositioning fleets could significantly improve service levels while reducing required fleet size and operating costs. Carsharing and ride-hailing are likely to converge. With autonomy, the distinction between booking a car and being picked up blurs, leading to shared fulfillment models across platforms. Mobility remains a fundamentally local business. Regulation, daily operations, and local advantages prevent strong global network effects and keep markets fragmented. Software is becoming the decisive competitive layer. Scalable, API-first platforms enable operators to manage complex fleets, integrate partners, and innovate faster than in-house solutions alone. Revenue management in mobility is still underdeveloped. Dynamic pricing, personalized offers, and data-driven subscriptions lag behind industries like travel and e-commerce—leaving significant upside untapped. AI can turn data into a strategic advantage. Conversational analytics lower barriers to insight, enabling faster decision-making and hypothesis testing across teams. Two-wheelers and public transport remain central to urban mobility. Especially in European cities, bikes and micromobility often outperform cars in speed and efficiency, with improving economics through better operations and refurbishment models.

How AI, simulation, and smart forecasting are setting a new standard for the next era of urban transport. Takeaways Switch is focused on using AI to improve urban mobility. The transition from shared mobility to city simulation was driven by COVID-19. Simulation helps predict the impact of new mobility services before implementation. Wayla achieved 92.46% accuracy in simulation, leading to significant cost savings. Urban Copilot and Urbiverse are key products for fleet optimization. The future includes standalone AI agents that assist in decision-making. Switch is generating revenue and has a clear business model. Local governments are seen as partners rather than clients. Competition includes both legacy providers and new AI entrants. Domain expertise is crucial for building competitive advantages.

A deep dive into book-n-drive’s journey, growth, and lessons from over two decades in shared mobility. Takeaways Martin Trillig has been in the shared mobility industry for over 20 years. book-n-drive started with 70 cars and has grown to over 1,000 cars. The company focuses on providing cars for people who want to drive but not own a vehicle. Collaboration with city-owned housing companies has been crucial for growth. Operational challenges include rising costs and managing a diverse fleet. Fraud prevention is a significant concern in the car sharing industry. Customer experience and engagement are vital for retention. Simplicity in the business model is essential for success. The competition primarily comes from personal car ownership. Future growth will focus on understanding customer needs and expanding product offerings.

Bill Kollektivet: Norway's Largest Non-Profit Car Sharing Service In this episode of the Wunder Mobility Podcast, Gunnar speaks with Morten Munch-Olsen, CEO of bilkollektivet, Norway's largest non-profit car sharing service. They discuss the unique non-profit model, the loyal user base, and the various membership benefits. Morten explains the pricing models, the challenges of managing demand during peak seasons, and the technological advancements that have modernized operations. They also explore the future of mobility, including the potential for tele-operated vehicles and the importance of emotional branding in car sharing.

Michael Poglitsch, Managing Director of Mobinck Germany, shares how consulting, software, and sustainability are transforming the corporate mobility landscape. In episode #63 of the Wunder Mobility Podcast, Jana Neumann speaks with Michael Poglitsch, Managing Director of Mobinck Germany, about the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of corporate mobility management. Together, they explore: The rise of smart parking solutions and integrated mobility systems How digital tools and consulting enable companies to understand and improve their mobility strategies Why sustainability and employee satisfaction are now core pillars of modern corporate mobility The evolving mobility market in Germany—and how it compares to broader trends in Europe The importance of data-driven decisions, emotional buy-in, and change ambassadors in scaling solutions internally

Sascha Mayer, CEO of MOIA, explores how shared mobility, public-private collaboration, and autonomous technology are transforming urban transport. Jana Neumann sits down with Sascha Mayer, CEO of MOIA, to explore the company’s journey in revolutionizing urban mobility. Backed by Volkswagen, MOIA is pioneering shared and autonomous transport solutions that integrate seamlessly with public transport systems. In this episode, Sascha discusses the evolution of MOIA, the role of data in optimizing mobility services, and the challenges of changing user behavior. They delve into Hamburg’s push for autonomous vehicles, the impact of cycling culture on urban mobility, and why public-private collaboration is key to sustainable transport. Tune in to learn how MOIA is driving the future of shared mobility and what’s next for urban transport!

Johannes shares insights on the future of mobility, the role of EIT in shaping sustainable transport, and the challenges of building a truly connected mobility ecosystem. Johannes Kirschner, Investment Manager at EIT Urban Mobility, joins us from Munich to share his insights on the future of sustainable transport. With a background in product management at Circ and ShareNow (formerly DriveNow) and experience in the operational side of mobility, Johannes brings a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the industry. In this episode, he delves into EIT Urban Mobility’s mission as one of Europe's largest innovation communities, working to decarbonize transportation by investing in startups and fostering collaboration between stakeholders. Johannes shares his thoughts on why mobility remains fragmented, the importance of changing consumer behavior, and how cities like Hamburg serve as models for integrated mobility ecosystems. We also explore the role of regulation in Germany, the need for inclusive and accessible mobility solutions, and how EIT is bridging the gap between startups, governments, and investors to drive real change. Tune in to hear Johannes’ vision for the next 3-4 years in mobility and what it will take to create a greener, more connected future. 🎧🚲🚗

Robert Henrich discusses how Hamburger Hochbahn is shaping the future of urban mobility, from autonomous transport projects to cross-city collaboration and seamless MaaS solutions. Jana Neumann sits down with Robert Henrich, Chairman of the board, Hamburger Hochbahn to explore how Hamburg is leading the way in public transport innovation. From seamless MaaS solutions to autonomous vehicle projects, Robert shares insights on how Hochbahn is shaping the future of urban mobility. They discuss the significance of the Deutschlandticket in fostering cross-city collaboration, the expansion of Hochbahn’s services beyond Hamburg, and how investments in new subway lines and digital platforms are enhancing passenger experience. Plus, Robert reveals which city he sees as a role model for Hamburg’s mobility future. Tune in to discover what’s next for public transport, automation, and sustainable urban mobility!

Thomas Van Der Ohe shares how Vay is challenging the robo-taxi model and revolutionizing driverless carsharing with remote driving technology. Thomas Von Der Ohe, co-founder and CEO of Vay, joins us from Las Vegas to share the story behind pioneering driverless carsharing. After years in Silicon Valley, Thomas returned to Europe with a bold vision: combining remote driving with autonomous technology to create a scalable and efficient mobility solution. He unpacks why the robo-taxi industry struggled to meet early expectations and how Vay is taking a different approach—one that keeps humans in the loop while leveraging autonomy. He discusses the advantages of launching in the U.S., where state-by-state regulations allow for faster scalability, and how Vay’s camera-based remote driving system is designed to be both cost-effective and adaptable across various vehicle types. Tune in for a deep dive into the future of mobility and the game-changing potential of remote driving!

Lukas Loers, Venture Partner at Rethink Ventures, reveals the hottest trends in mobility, from the ebike boom to Europe’s push for tech independence and sustainable transport. Lukas Loers, Venture Partner at Rethink Ventures, sits down with Gunnar Froh to share his journey from the golden days of micromobility to navigating the world of venture capital. Having lived across the globe, Lukas brings a unique perspective on the latest trends in transport, from battery charging to the rise of ebikes. In this episode, Lukas drops hints about what’s hot in the industry, why Europe needs to up its game in mobility, and the surprising ways the Ukraine war is reshaping tech. He also shares why he’s betting on local champions in shared mobility and the one investment he wishes he made 10 years ago. Tune in to catch Lukas’s expert insights, a few laughs, and a lot of forward-thinking ideas

Discover the story behind the Wunder Mobility and GoUrban merger, as industry leaders Gunnar Froh and Bojan Jukic discuss the challenges, innovations, and the future of shared mobility. In this special episode, Wunder Mobility CEO Gunnar Froh sits down with Bojan Jukic, former CEO of GoUrban and now Co-CEO at Wunder Mobility, to discuss the recent merger between the two companies and its impact on the future of shared mobility. Bojan shares GoUrban’s journey, starting in 2016 with moped-sharing and reverse engineering, and reflects on the early challenges of navigating a fast-paced, competitive market. The conversation highlights pivotal moments that shaped both companies, including the shift from rapid, unsustainable growth to a more strategic, long-term focus. This transition was driven by the need to address an oversaturated market of operators and software providers. Bojan and Gunnar discuss the temporary surge in growth in 2021, which ultimately proved unsustainable, and how the challenges they faced led the industry to reassess its approach. Looking ahead, Gunnar and Bojan emphasize the importance of efficiency and innovation. They explain how the merger enables them to combine their strengths to create meaningful, incremental changes that meet market demands and close the gaps both companies previously encountered. Tune in to hear their insights on the evolution of shared mobility and what lies ahead for the industry.

Christian Adelsberger, Founder & CEO of NECTURE, champions climate technology for a sustainable future. He focuses on accelerating EV adoption in fleets, optimizing vehicle use, and charging cycles with machine learning and crowd-based operations for effi Christian Adelsberger, Founder & CEO of Necture, formerly Ubiq sits down with Gunnar Froh 48-hours after rebranding his company and the after-party to discuss a renewed focus on impact, his excitement for the next phase and why they felt the need to change. With five years of experience working with car-sharing clients, Christian recognized the need to explore product-market fit more deeply. Sharing how the rebrand aims to enhance business operations, particularly in ensuring EV fleets are properly charged and more. Tune in to hear more on Necture's mission to reduce operational costs for car-sharing fleet operators, making electric mobility more financially viable and commitment to efficiency, in this episode. In Necture's dedication to transform urban mobility.

With 15+ years of experience in consulting, finance and mobility, Jerome and Lennart meet with Gunnar Froh to discuss Allianz Partners’ commitment to meeting client needs and adapting to the evolving mobility landscape. What is Allianz Partners and what is its purpose in relation to shared mobility and electric vehicles? As partners, they not only support OEMs and shared operator, but also adapt as insurers and assistance providers to meet the evolving landscape of electric vehicles. Dive into the discussion on new mobility modes and their impact on the market landscape. Learn how Allianz Partners has shifted from being a pure insurance provider to a partner using data and other services to ensure peace of mind throughout the customer journey of mobility. Discover the significant role that connectivity will play as the majority of vehicles on the street become connectable, alongside the increasing trend of online car sales and subscription-as-a-service models. These developments will shape and transform Allianz Partners‘ insurance and service offerings.

Juhan Karma, an entrepreneur with two successful SaaS companies, envisioned driving innovation forward. Discovering his passion for EVs and fostering a shared future, he co-founded OXDrive with Egija, Kristians, and Kristaps. Their 150+ fleet has traveled Juhan, the visionary behind OXDrive, discusses the journey of establishing the pioneering car-sharing enterprise in Latvia. Beginning his entrepreneurial path after university, Juhan overcame challenges to create OXDrive, leveraging his software background to drive success. Challenges in securing financing and navigating the absence of Tesla in Baltic markets were countered by strategic marketing and angel investor support. OXDrive's future entails expansion into Tallinn and Vilnius, leveraging automation and AI for operational optimization and customer experience enhancement. Juhan's commitment to sustainability drives OXDrive's mission of providing convenient, affordable, and eco-friendly mobility solutions, offering insights into the future of urban mobility and entrepreneurship.

Renn met Gunnar over a decade ago but has been following and advising Wunder Mobility for the entire duration. Join us for our inaugural special episode as we commemorate 10 years of Wunder Mobility, reflecting on successes, failures, and what the next de In May 2011, Gunnar Froh experienced a significant turning point. Firstly, he relocated to San Francisco to contribute to the development of Airbnb. Secondly, he crossed paths with Renn Vara, Co-Founder and Executive Coach for prominent executives at Google and Facebook. After establishing a firm foundation for their relationship, Gunnar Froh moved on to establish WunderCar Solutions in 2014, initially a ride-hailing company that later transformed into the renowned Wunder Mobility - a leading market player and software provider for profitable shared mobility services. Join the conversation as Gunnar and Renn engage in a discussion around the table, reflecting on the 10-year journey of building Wunder Mobility. From the inception of Wunder, characterized by the perception of cars as 'the enemy' at the dawn of the shared mobility revolution, to candid conversations about regrets, setbacks, challenges in the mobility industry, the significance of product innovation, and more. Don't miss the chance to explore Gunnar Froh's insights into what the next 10 years may hold, based on the belief that 'what brought us here won't necessarily take us there.'

Over its decade-long existence, McKinsey's Center for Future Mobility has transformed. Timo Möller, Co-Lead, discusses with Gunnar the evolution of mobility and the crucial governmental actions needed for advancement. In 2015, when the Center for Future Mobility was founded, Timo Möller began as a one-man show. Today, the research hub at McKinsey & Company has expanded into a team of more than 300 people, evolving beyond the initial perception of an "automotive revolution" into what we now recognize as the growth of mobility services. Since this revolution, the mobility industry has diversified into multiple sub-areas, reaching a tipping point in its evolution. After years of mobility being a trending topic, McKinsey's Center for Future Mobility has produced several reports. The latest one delves deeper into the topic of profitability, a challenge acknowledged by operators in the mobility sector. Together with Gunnar, they discuss the role of governmental support, the concept of intermodality, and much more.