Lyft has announced plans to introduce autonomous airport shuttles to its network in partnership with BENTELER Mobility.
The collaboration is intended to broaden access to autonomous transport, with initial deployments focusing on airports and city centres.
The vehicles will be built by HOLON GmbH, a BENTELER subsidiary focused on autonomous transport. They will operate on the Lyft app platform and use Mobileye’s autonomous driving system.
Pilot testing is planned to begin in 2025, with full launch targeted for late 2026.
BENTELER Mobility will supply and operate the shuttles, while BENTELER Trading International will support fleet financing.
Unlike many current AV efforts that retrofit existing vehicles, HOLON shuttles are purpose-built for autonomous use. Manufacturing will be based at a new 100 million USD facility in Jacksonville, Florida.
The introduction of autonomous shuttles could help airports reduce congestion, improve access across terminal areas, and support low-emission transport goals.
Lyft and BENTELER say they will work with airport authorities and local regulators to ensure safety and compliance during rollout.
Tobias Liebelt, CEO of BENTELER Mobility said:We are delighted to be teaming up with Lyft. Lyft's innovative and ambitious culture matches our own. Lyft brings excellent expertise in ride-hailing, deep market penetration, and a strong commitment to making autonomous mobility a reality. Together, we combine their technology excellence and user-first approach with our automotive-grade AV platforms, operational excellence, and scalable fleet capabilities. This partnership will allow us to turn ambition into deployment — bringing safety-focused, efficient, and accessible mobility to the streets faster than ever before — let's make it happen.
