Autowale - Uber for the common man (by Rosie) - 北投文化英文導覽培訓/ETGC in BTCC

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Autowale - Uber for the common man (by Rosie)

2015/07/30 10:24:22瀏覽113｜回應0｜推薦0

Autowale - Uber for the common man

Further to my last year's presentation on Uber, herewith is another introduction of a
similar service now serving in India which you may find interesting to know.

Autowale (Hindi for "auto driver"), launched in 2010 by Janardan and Prasad in Pune, india,
a city of 7.5 million.

With a quick call or tap on an app, Autowale sends a driver to your location for pickup.
At a cost that's 25%-50% less than a cab, it's Uber for the common man. Comparing to Uber,
the Indian startup has shown more flexibility in dealing with customers and regulators.

Here is how it works: A customer books using an online or mobile app or by calling a
hotline, and gets a confirmation sent via SMS. Using Google Maps, Autowale calculates
the fare based on the distance. The nearest auto driver receives a signal and confirms the
pickup. At the end of a trip the rider pays cash based on the meter, frequent users can opt
for weekly or monthly payment, and gets a texted receipt. If an auto driver trys to overcharge,
the customer can call the company's hotline to report him.

Drivers pay 10% to 15% of their fares every month. Today, 1,000 drivers serve around

100,000 customers. Autowale treats their drivers like entrepreneurs!

Autowale gives customers more options than Uber. Most companies focus on instant bookings
but Autowale has mastered the art of serving preplanned bookings by batching with instant bookings.

The company lets you schedule a pickup the day before, or within an hour prior to your leaving time.

However, technology has been a particular hassle for Autowale since many drivers don't have
smartphones. The company created training program on the basics, SMS and using missed calls,
which are free to connect with pickups.

Uber overshadows Autowale, it's in ten Indian cities to Autowale's one; its annual revenue at
1 billion-plus swamps Autowale's expected 1 million this year. Autowale expects to triple revenue
next year and boost net profit from the current 10% to 15%.

As it grows, Autowale wants to provide drivers with such services as insurance and introductions to
microfinance lenders. That will make for safer drivers and more entrepreneurs.

In the future, if you visit Pune, India, be sure to try the service of Autowale!

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