58.com's Logistics Platform Kuaigou Dache May Launch Ride-hailing Service
Sina Tech, 9/12/18
Mobile local logistics platform Kuaigou Dache, operated by Chinese online classifieds site 58.com (NYSE: WUBA), recently held a strategic press conference to outline its future development strategy.
Chen Xiaohua, CEO of Kuaigou Dache operator 58 Home (a subsidiary of 58.com), said that enterprise users are currently responsible for the majority of platform orders, but that the company plans to launch niche ride hailing services similar to Didi Chuxing's Didi Premier and Didi Express in late September, filling out a service portfolio covering personal, commercial, and home moving scenarios. In the future, Kuaigou Dache may also offer services for pet transportation and refrigerated logistics. Chen also said that the company may enter the "personal taxi" business domain and offer taxi services in situations such as rainy weather conditions, after obtaining an online ride booking service operator's license.
Chen also said that Kuaigou Dache's user base has tripled since changing its business name and that its brand is recognized by more than 100 mln users. Chen said that the name change has attracted attention from more than 100 media outlets and that the change has saved the company between RMB 100 mln and RMB 200 mln in advertising fees.
Kuaigou Dache currently operates in six countries and regions and has more than 8 mln users and over 1 mln registered drivers.
Editor's Note: In August 2018, 58 Suyun sparked controversy with a name change to "Kuaigou Dache" (literally "Fast Dog Car Hire"). For more information on this topic, please see 58 Suyun Changes Chinese Brand to GoGoVan, Inciting Employee Backlash, MD 8/20/18 issue.
Keywords: Kuaigou Dache 58 Home Internet 58.com Chen Xiaohua WUBA car hire app
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