A high-end car service backed by Daimler is launching in 8 US cities as it attempts to compete with Uber and Lyft

A high-end car service backed by Daimler is launching in 8 US cities as it attempts to compete with Uber and Lyft

Luxury ride-hailing firm Blacklane is introducing an on-demand chauffeur service to rival Uber Black and Lyft Lux.

The German-based company launched the new chauffeur service in New York on Monday, with plans to expand to 20 more cities “” including London, Dubai, Berlin, Paris, France, Boston, Chicago, and Miami “” by the end of March,  it said in a Monday press release. 

The startup, which counts Mercedes-parent Daimler as an investor, partners with local chauffeur companies to pick up customers in luxury cars like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, Audi A6, or Cadillac XTS, according to its website.

With the service, Blacklane takes aim at business customers who want the amenities and service of a chauffeured car along with the practicality of a ride-hailing app. Another perk for businesses: unlike Uber or Lyft, Blacklane only charges riders by distance and doesn't add on fees for tolls or high demand, making its rates predictable.

Business travelers tend to be cash cows for transportation outfits like airlines and ride-hailing platforms, as they tend to spend more and bring higher margins than non-business passengers. Uber targets that sector with its Black taxis along with an enterprise offering, Uber for Business, that encompasses ride-hailing, food delivery, and a