Uber partners with Hong Kong firm to launch its first premium service outside US

Uber has partnered with a Hong Kong transport operator to launch its first premium service outside the United States, but local lawmakers have stressed the move is unrelated to the firm’s push for a larger licence quota under a coming regulatory regime.The US-based company partnered with Kwoon Chung Bus to introduce Uber Elite, which offers pre-booked rides in Mercedes-Benz vehicles for up to six passengers, uniformed chauffeurs, airport meet-and-greet services and more, the firms announced on Monday.“The feedback from many customers, especially business ones, is that they hoped to see a premium service and Uber Elite could precisely satisfy that,” said Estyn Chung, the ride-hailing platform’s general manager in Hong Kong.