5 November 2024, Tue |
2:53 PM
Udrive, UAE’s homegrown brand providing a dedicated pay-per-minute car rental service for UAE residents and tourists continues its growth by surpassing one million trips in September 2020. This was achieved through the next-generation IOT technology that enables contactless and safe on demand self-drive.
As part of Udrive’s safe travel initiative in partnership with the Roads and Transport Authority Dubai, Department of Transport Abu Dhabi and Sharjah Municipality, the company revamped its customer service technology with the release of additional smart solutions that would enable a safe, affordable and hassle-free service for all its riders. Each Udrive is equipped with the latest IOT technologies that digitise any car on their fleet and massively improve safety by removing all one to one human interaction when booking a vehicle, starting/ending a trip and entering/exiting the vehicle.
With social distancing and a number of restrictions imposed by the UAE Government, Udrive offers contactless driving and full control, allowing riders to book via their app, select the vehicle type, track its location, and enjoy hassle-free payment options with start and end trips anywhere, any day and at any time.
Udrive also upgraded its approach to sanitisation by using fogging machines and is currently beta testing additional virus killing technology as part of its commitment to keeping their customers safe. To clean the cars as quickly as possible they launched a decentralised bike fleet that is only dedicated to interior car sanitisation, therefore keeping its service in line with the UAE government requirements for all travellers using public transport. With its latest investment round, Udrive plans to invest further into keyless and sanitisation technologies.
Commenting on its latest offerings, Hasib Khan, CEO and Founder of Udrive said,
“The pandemic has changed the way we work, socialise and transit. We understand that renting a car is no longer that much about affordability and convenience. It’s about providing the UAE residents and tourists with the option to minimise interaction with others and still enjoy the pleasure of a premium rental experience through contactless rentals. In Dubai alone, the number of driver licences has increased to 2.5 million this year, compared to 1.8 million. This means people like to drive, but they are looking for smart and safe self-drive mobility options. Our customers don’t want to be queuing in long lines and want the ease of online registration, booking and contactless technology.”
According to a report by KPMG, half of the car owners today will no longer want to own a vehicle by 2025, indicating an increase in the trend of on-demand transportation services. According to a report by ResearchAndMarkets, the car rental market is set to grow at a CAGR of 11.6% from now until 2022.
Udrive is also providing all UAE riders with free fuel, RTA parking, and comprehensive insurance for all its members. Cars can be driven per minute or per day, depending on the requirement of the individual. Cars can also be picked up from any location available and can be returned in the same city at any location.
“With no hidden fees and a simple pricing model, customers only pay for what they use and save money. COVID-19 has been a difficult period for everyone. Many people aren’t travelling far from home and are focusing on saving rather than spending. The automotive industry has seen a steep decline in the purchase of new cars, with consumers looking at alternatives that suit their budget,” added Khan.
Mobility on demand concept is changing the transportation landscape in urban areas. Families who are an advocate of this concept eventually move from 0.47 to 0.24 vehicles per household on average. According to Deloitte study, one shared vehicle reduces the need for 9-13 private vehicles. Millennials and young working professionals also have their demand met for more efficient, convenient, and environmentally friendly mobility options. To address this need, Udrive expanded its fleet with a wide range of cars from Nissan Tiida, Peugeot 208 to Ford EcoSport, Mercedes A 250, Ford Mustang convenient for any occasion – from weekday commute to work to lifestyle trips on weekends.
Udrive new users have grown by more than 20% over the last six months and the user growth is expected to double in 2021. Interestingly, peak usage is recorded on weekdays between 7am to 11am, and between 4pm to 8pm, indicating the demand for a convenient form of self-driven cars.
Udrive’s smart mobility service is available in Dubai as well as in other emirates like Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, with plans to expand and scale into the MENAT region to meet the customers’ needs and provide flexibility, comfort and safety while driving.
