With the advent of e-hailing services, people are more inclined to use public transport or hire cars instead of owning them. With this in mind, car rental companies are making a big push toward digitalization.
Telematics technology provides managers with a bird’s eye view of their fleet, helping solve problems like vehicle damage monitoring. This is only the start of a major technological overhaul for car rental.
E-hailing
E-hailing services are based on digital platforms and business models that match rider with driver, calculate fare and facilitate payment. To operate, drivers need a smartphone with GPS functionality and internet connectivity. The lower penetration of the latter restricts e-hailing service markets globally.
While many e-hailing companies focus on efficiency gains by applying new technologies, they also try to differentiate themselves through innovative business models and customer experience. In addition, they aim to diversify their customer base by targeting specific segments, such as the environment or customers who are not interested in vehicle ownership.
Depending on the way they are operated, e-hailing services can lead to traffic congestion (especially in cities) or can provide alternative mobility options for people who would not otherwise use public transit or other modes of transportation. For instance, Seattle and Detroit have implemented a program that offers Lyft services to people who work late-night shifts and thus cannot use the public transit system.
Self-driving cars
The advent of self-driving cars promises to make travel significantly more convenient. Driverless vehicles could allow people to sit back, relax and catch up on work or personal projects while they are being driven to their destination. They would also help people with disabilities or mobility limitations who can’t drive safely, as well as commuters living in urban areas without good public transportation options.
In addition, autonomous cars are expected to produce significant societal cost-savings by reducing traffic congestion and fuel consumption. However, there are some issues that need to be addressed before this technology is widely adopted. For example, there are concerns about how these vehicles will communicate with each other, as well as the potential for hacking. Visit for รถเช่า.
Google’s Waymo division has already launched a commercial ride-sharing service with autonomous cars in several cities. These vehicles are considered Level 4 autonomous cars, meaning that they can navigate a fixed route in known conditions and do not require a human driver to take control at any time.
Micromobility
With car sales at an all-time low, people are looking for alternative ways to get around. Original equipment manufacturers that produce e-scooters and e-bikes are adapting their revenue models to consider new consumer needs such as offering daily, monthly or even yearly rental plans.
Some cities are integrating micromobility devices into their public transit systems, replacing buses for short trips, and supplementing delivery vehicles in dense neighborhoods. However, these devices are not yet a viable solution in many areas of the world that lack adequate bike lanes and other infrastructure to support cycling.
In addition, the Covid-19 pandemic has forced many companies to shut down, lay off staff and dramatically decrease their valuations. The remaining survivors are focused on establishing key partnerships and working with cities to improve the way their e-scooters are used, including addressing concerns such as safety, misuse, theft and maintenance. These factors could limit the growth of these innovative solutions. But if they can overcome these challenges, micromobility may be here to stay.
The gig economy
The gig economy consists of independent contractors and freelancers who perform temporary work, often through digital marketplace platforms. These services can range from pet sitting to software engineering, and they are a growing part of the global economy. Between 2003 and 2013, the number of nonemployer businesses increased in every industry sector except education and health care.
For gig workers, the flexibility offered by these new types of jobs provides an opportunity to pursue interests outside of work or to manage a variable income stream. Those who work gigs also report that they enjoy a better work-life balance.
However, the gig economy can present challenges for workers, businesses, and consumers. For example, many gig workers struggle to find adequate insurance coverage. In addition, the use of digital marketplaces to hire drivers can cause problems with worker morale. Moreover, the time to push candidates from the top of the hiring funnel to a completed hire can be long for companies using traditional local recruiters and old school ATSs.
