Wheely launches in the USA, bringing its globally renowned service to New York

• US market entry with plans to expand to five major cities in the next three years

• Significant investment to support more than 1,000 New York jobs and more than 5,000 North American roles within five years

• Dedicated Chauffeur Academy launching in NYC to deliver industry-leading standards, with unrivalled privacy, discretion and professionalism

• First chauffeuring and executive travel service to partner with Forbes Travel Guide, the independent global authority on genuine Five-Star service

• Move comes in response to demand from New Yorkers who have travelled with service in Europe and international clients who regularly travel to the city

The move brings Wheely’s globally renowned chauffeuring and executive travel services — trusted by the most discerning customers in London, Paris and Dubai — to one of the world’s most dynamic cities and capitals of business, culture and innovation. Effortlessly combining discreet luxury and convenience, Wheely will become the stalwart choice of secure, elevated transport.

The NYC launch represents a significant investment in the local economy, with Wheely planning to support more than 1,000 drivers over the next two years. It plans to grow its North American team and chauffeur network to more than 5,000 people within five years.

The entry brings European standards of chauffeuring to a market where privacy, personalisation and consistent service quality have remained elusive for discerning travellers.

It comes in response to demand from individual customers and corporate and multinational clients who travel with Wheely in Europe and live in or regularly visit New York.

Wheely is the first chauffeuring service to partner with Forbes Travel Guide, the global authority on genuine Five-Star service, to independently verify its standards. Its service standards have seen it designated as the official chauffeur for events in Britain including Royal Ascot and Henley Royal Regatta.

It is introducing a comprehensive product suite tailored for New York, including its exclusive  Wheely First service and black car Business SUV service, with products including its Perfect Airport Pickup and Chauffeur For a Day.

The launch paves the way for operations in a number of US cities over the next three to five years. 

New Yorkers can now book Wheely’s signature service on demand or in advance through the company’s app, with vehicles expected on-demand within five minutes in Manhattan.

Replicating the proven success of its London and Dubai Chauffeur Academies which have produced highly skilled chauffeurs and set industry benchmarks in service, Wheely is opening a dedicated Chauffeur Academy in New York. 

The investment in training underscores Wheely’s commitment to delivering an unmatched experience for its clients. 

“New York has long been requested by our customers, whether that be New Yorkers who have travelled with us in Europe and the Middle East, or our international clients who regularly visit the city. 

“We will deliver the same exceptional standards that have defined Wheely in London, Paris and Dubai, while respecting the character and pace of New York. We are thrilled to bring our bespoke services to a city where time is the ultimate luxury and discretion is paramount.”

Wheely is a tech-enabled hospitality company focused on privacy, discretion and service.

All its chauffeurs sign an NDA and follow a strict confidentiality policy to protect their clients, ensuring that passengers can conduct private phone calls or meetings with complete discretion while on the move.

Furthering its commitment to exceptional service, Wheely provides 24/7 customer support to maintain industry-leading standards. 

Wheely works with the best chauffeurs. It invests in their qualification and training through the in-house Chauffeur Academy which is verified by The UK’s professional development accreditator, the CPD Certification Service. The academy assesses competences including etiquette, situational awareness and first aid.

The company’s proprietary technology platform powers real-time flight tracking for commercial and private aviation, predictive chauffeur positioning, and seamless in-app journey personalisation, ensuring precision and reliability.

“Our chauffeurs are the cornerstone of the Wheely experience,” Chirkunov adds. “Their exceptional professionalism and dedication are vital to fulfilling our promise of comfort, privacy, and convenience. 

“Honoring our heritage, every experience we design is built around Swiss precision and British hospitality. In New York, a city that demands excellence, we will ensure every journey, from private residences to international arrivals, reflects the highest standards.”

Business SUV includes the Cadillac Escalade ESV, engineered for executive travel on New York’s streets. Offering superior road presence, generous luggage capacity, and the versatility required for back-to-back appointments and dealing with discreet work on the go, Business SUV is built for the pace of business in the city.

Wheely First features the latest long wheelbase Mercedes-Benz S-Class W223, offering exceptional comfort and luxury, with panoramic sunroof, reclining seats, privacy blinds. Amenities include FIJI water, refreshing towels and an Acqua di Parma scent diffuser.

Chauffeur For a Day allows clients to reserve a chauffeur for up to an entire day, providing unparalleled convenience and flexibility for diverse schedules, whether watching over belongings, collecting friends and family, or running errands.

Perfect Airport Pickup simplifies airport transfers by integrating flight-tracking technology — for both commercial and private aviation — ensuring chauffeurs are timely and present at arrivals with personalised name boards and luggage assistance. Complimentary waiting time is included for all airport journeys.

Wheely Membership rewards loyal passengers with global access to privileges crafted for exceptional comfort and convenience, including Chauffeur For a Day and Concierge services. Membership is limited to those who have taken 15 journeys over the past six months or who have been invited by another member.

The Concierge service, due to launch in NYC shortly, sees chauffeurs taking on highly personal tasks, such as collecting gifts, delivering sensitive correspondence, or waiting in a queue for a coveted reservation. 

Wheely serves as a premium ground transportation solution for corporate travellers and business professionals who require reliable, private transportation for client meetings, airport transfers and comfortable journeys home. With NDA-bound drivers, each journey provides a productive and secure space to work on the move. The service integrates seamlessly with corporate expense policies and travel management systems.

The New York operation will be led by Peter Sojander, a long-time city resident who brings more than a decade of experience building technology-led businesses in competitive metropolitan markets.

Wheely is a tech-enabled hospitality company focused on privacy, discretion and service. Combining highly trained chauffeurs with a perfect in-car experience and concierge service, Wheely is instantly available or pre-bookable via its app in London, Paris, Dubai, and now New York City. 

To date Wheely has raised $43m in funding. 

Available here.