Sumitomo Corporation Groups Makes Strategic Investment in Turo

Sumitomo Corporation (Head Office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; President and Chief Executive Officer: Masayuki Hyodo), through Sumitomo Corporation of Americas (head office: New York, the United States; Representative: Shingo Ueno; hereinafter “SCOA”), is pleased to announce its investment in Turo, Inc. (Turo), an online car sharing marketplace headquartered in San Francisco, as part of their Series D round of funding. The strategic partnership and investment will not only provide the additional capital necessary to grow Turo, but Sumitomo Corporation Group will provide market insights for Turo’s eventual Japanese and APAC expansion.

This is the latest in a series of several CASE (connected, autonomous, sharing and electrified) technology related investments from Sumitomo Corporation Group, who backed auto and fleet technology companies in 2017 such as Veritread, Transfix, Hyliion, Rivian, and most recently ActiveScaler. Participation in these CASE technologies is a strategic step as the company realigns its business model to support the changing landscape of the automotive industry.

"Sumitomo Corporation has a great deal of experience in this space, having operated Sumitomo Mitsui Auto Service's fleet platform, which is #1 in Japan," said Sam Kato, Executive Officer, General Manager of the Automobility Division, Sumitomo Corporation. We believe Turo's platform will be a game-changer for the future of auto ownership and utilization, and we look forward to using our unique insight into the Asian marketplace to expand this offering."

Shane Wakasugi, SVP & General Manager of the Automotive Group at SCOA added, “SCOA’s vast business portfolio including automotive retail, paired with its client network in North America, shall provide opportunity for potential new business synergies and partnerships with Turo.”

Sumitomo Corporation is currently focused on investing within three major sectors of the automotive industry: trucking, sharing services, and electrification. Through its carefully selected investments, such as Turo, Sumitomo Corporation plans to pair new technology and business models with their existing portfolio and established networks. By doing this, it is the company’s intent to create new business lines that will be successful in the new, evolving automotive landscape.
 
Founded in 2009, Turo is a car sharing marketplace where travelers can rent any car they want, wherever they want it, from a vibrant community of local car owners. Travelers choose from a totally unique selection of nearby cars that cost on average about 35% less than traditional car rental agencies, while car owners earn extra money and help fuel their adventures.

“We are thrilled to welcome Sumitomo Corporation as a strategic investor in Turo. Their insights into travel and international markets will be instrumental in helping us put the world’s one billion cars to better use,” said Turo CEO, Andre Haddad. “It is only fitting that we announce not only our new strategic investors, but also the official launch of our Commercial Hosts program. The combination of these two initiatives will broaden Turo’s international reach and position us clearly as a leader in the global travel industry.”

To date, Turo is currently available in 5,500 cities and at 500 airports. There are over 900 makes and models of cars available to users, and the average car owner utilizing Turo’s platform makes an average of $625 per month. Through its insurance partner, Liberty Mutual, Turo insures owners up to one million dollars per trip.



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■About Turo, Inc.
Turo is a car sharing marketplace where local car owners provide travelers with the perfect vehicle for their next adventure. Travelers from around the world choose from a unique selection of cars and car owners earn extra money while helping fuel their adventures. A pioneer of the sharing economy and travel industry, Turo is a safe, supportive community where the car you rent is part of a story, not a fleet. Whether it's an F-150 truck to help out on moving day, a Tesla for a luxurious weekend away, or a classic Mercedes-Benz for a picture-perfect road trip, travelers rent the car and own the adventure. Discover Turo at turo.com. Join our mission, work at Turo, turo.com/jobs.

■Sumitomo Corporation’s Material Issues
Sumitomo Corporation Group positions “Six Material Issues to Achieve Sustainable Growth with Society” as an important factor in developing business strategies and in the decision-making process for individual businesses. Going forward, we will pursue sustainable growth by resolving these issues through our business activities. This project especially contributes to “Achieving Harmony with the Global Environment” “Contributing to the Development of Local Communities and Industries” “Establishing a Foundation for Comfortable and Enriching Lifestyles” “Providing Diverse “Accessibility.””