Daimler has led a strategic investment in Via, a shuttle-based carpooling service that is also backed by Hearst and that will use the money to expand into Europe.

US-based mass transit service Via has obtained a strategic investment from a consortium led by car manufacturer Daimler, estimated to be worth approximately $250m, TechCrunch reported today.

The figure includes a $50m commitment from Daimler’s Mercedes-Benz Vans subsidiary towards the creation of a Netherlands-based joint-venture that will operate an own-brand and licensed service across European cities.

Remaining investors in the round have not been named, though they include existing shareholders.

Founded in 2012, Via operates a shuttle-based carpooling service that…