The ride-hailing segment in Malaysia has seen a surprising amount of movement this month with the introduction of Bolt and Lalamove Ride. Another player is now throwing its hat in the ring in the shape of GV Ride, which was launched last week.
Having already begun pre-operations in September, the service is aiming to stand out from its competitors by offering rides in electric vehicles starting next month, according to the New Straits Times.
The English language daily quoted GV Car Ventures (GVV) CEO Kabeer Maand as saying that the company is targeting to deploy 2,500 EVs starting in the Klang Valley, with negotiations with suppliers in China currently ongoing for the first phase. “This is part of the company’s efforts to expand our business while promoting the adoption of EVs in the e-hailing industry,” he said.
Kabeer added that GV Ride – which also enables customers to negotiate fares with drivers – only charges drivers a nine per cent commission per booking, compared to 20% for the likes of Grab. “We currently have 15,000 registered drivers, and we aim to increase this number to 50,000 by the end of the year,” he said.
Selangor state executive council member for investment, trade and mobility Ng Sze Han, who officiated the launch, said GV Ride is providing ride-hailing customers greater choice, especially in the state. “E-hailing services are a crucial component that complements the country’s transportation ecosystem alongside rail, buses and private vehicles. We are delighted to see another local e-hailing company stepping up to serve the people,” he said.
During the event, GVV signed a memorandums of understanding (MoU) with several partners, including Zlata Resources for driver insurance coverage, Sejamas World for car batteries, Network EV for EV chargers and the Northern E-Hailing Drivers Association (NeHDA) for support in the northern region.
To celebrate the launch, GV Ride is offering one million free rides to customers, as long as those rides cost RM15 or less.
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Good! Dont let the Gr monopoly! Take driver for granted! The more ehailing the merrier. Loke, plz simplify requirement for driver to do multiple platform. Shld allow EVP to do all platform!! Dont let Gr exploit driver like their slave!!!