Uber promised to generate 50,000 European jobs in 2015
Updated : 08:13
Taxi-sharing firm Uber will aim to create 50,000 jobs in 2015 as part of a “new partnership” with European cities, according to chief executive Travis Kalanick.
The start-up was most recently valued at $40bn based on the latest fundraising carried out by investors.
Kalanick said at a technology conference in Munich: “Uber is committed to establishing new partnerships with Europe's cities to ensure innovation, harness powerful economic benefits and promote core city functions.
"At the end of 2015, if we can make these partnerships happen, we create 50,000 new EU jobs.
"Uber wants to partner closely with tax authorities to increase transportation providers' compliance and overall tax revenue for cities and countries across Europe."
His comments have been taken as an attempt to pacify critics who accused the firm of disregarding competition regulations, failing to carry out sufficient safety checks on drivers and their vehicles.
He also assured listeners that Uber is working to “improve communication with local officials and law enforcement”.