Santander and Uber launch up to €1bn financing for European fleet operators

Banco Santander and Uber Technologies have announced a landmark agreement to establish a financing platform of up to €1 billion aimed at supporting the growth and modernisation of Uber fleet operators across Europe.

The three-year programme has been specifically designed to meet the financing needs of professional fleet operators working on Uber’s platform, with funding expected to support expansion in key European markets including Spain, Germany and Italy.

Under the agreement, Santander will create a scalable financing facility to provide flexible and accessible funding to Uber’s leading fleet partners. The financing will be deployed progressively based on fleet operator onboarding, market demand, credit analysis and country-specific conditions.

The companies said the initiative is intended to help fleet operators invest in new vehicles, improve operational efficiency and strengthen service quality, while also preparing for the future rollout of autonomous vehicle technologies across Europe.

In several European markets, Uber relies heavily on established professional fleet operators to deliver mobility services. The company said its long-standing relationships with fleet partners have enabled it to develop a detailed understanding of operators’ financing and operational needs.

By combining Uber’s platform expertise with Santander’s banking capabilities, the partnership aims to unlock new opportunities for investment and fleet expansion.

Ana Botín, Executive Chair of Santander, said the agreement would support both mobility growth and service quality across Europe.

“Santander is delighted to support Uber in this next step of growth,” Botín said. “By expanding access to financing for professional fleet operators across European markets, this collaboration will support growth and service quality at scale.”

She added: “Uber has built a highly successful platform, and it is great to be working with Dara and his team on this important initiative.”

Dara Khosrowshahi, CEO at Uber, said the financing programme would help operators modernise their fleets and support Uber’s longer-term strategy in Europe.

“Through this collaboration with Santander, we are expanding access to competitive, scalable financing for fleet operators across key European markets,” Khosrowshahi said.

“This initiative will help our partners renew and upgrade their vehicles, operate more efficiently, and continue meeting strong rider demand. It also lays important groundwork for our autonomous vehicle expansion strategy across Europe.”