France’s BlaBlaCar bets on Russia’s ride-sharing culture

A sticker of French ride-sharing start-up BlaBlaCar is seen on a car May 27, 2017 at Le Coudray-Montceaux, near Paris, France. REUTERS/Charles Platiau/Files

ST PETERSBURG: Russia has overtaken France as the biggest market for French ride-sharing startup BlaBlaCar, a growth driven by long distances between Russian cities and a culture of giving lifts to strangers, the company's co-founder and CEO said.

Nicolas Brusson said the unlisted company, which entered the Russian market four years ago, plans to invest €10mil (RM46.40mil) in Russia next year, more than BlaBlaCar's total investments over the past three to four years.