Automotive supplier Benteler buys DB's mobility subsidiary Ioki - Deutsche Bahn sells Ioki to Benteler, accelerating autonomous transit innovation
Deutsche Bahn has sold its autonomous mobility subsidiary, Ioki, to automotive supplier Benteler. The deal was announced on Monday, though financial and operational details remain undisclosed. Ioki, a leader in digital public transit solutions, has already made waves with its first driverless bus route in Bad Birnbach, Bavaria.
Ioki was launched by Deutsche Bahn in October 2017 as a digital service provider for public transit. Since then, it has grown into one of the company’s most successful spin-offs, employing over 100 people. Its software now operates in more than 200 transport networks, serving around ten million passengers.
The subsidiary specialises in data-driven traffic planning and operational simulations, helping cities integrate autonomous vehicles into local transport. Its recent launch of a driverless bus route in Bad Birnbach marks a key milestone in this field. Benteler plans to merge Ioki with its own autonomous mobility provider, Holon. Together, they will form a full-service provider for autonomous fleets. The combined company will offer cities, transit authorities, and mobility providers a complete solution for autonomous transport systems.
The sale strengthens Benteler’s position in the autonomous mobility sector. The new entity will provide a wider range of services for cities and transport operators. Ioki’s existing projects, including its driverless bus operations, are expected to continue under the new ownership.
