Tech in Africa
Innoson Vehicle Motors (IVM) will launch a ride-hailing service in eastern Nigeria in the latter half of 2020. This is a significant pivot by the auto manufacturer, which makes buses and cars.
The new platform will be called IVM Connect and is a powerful CSR attempt to provide job opportunities to residents of the state. Techpoint Africa reported, IVM’s head of Corporate Communications, Cornel Osigwe revelation that the new service aims to check transport inadequacies across the state.
The company has a fleet of 200 fully branded hatchback vehicles produced in it’s manufacturing plant at Nnewi in Anambra state. At the onset, 5,000 vehicles will be rolled out, the number will then expand to Owerri and other eastern states.
The company will partner with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in ensuring all it’s drivers meet the required recruitment, training, issuance of licenses, and qualifications.
Osigwe reveals that the vehicles will be issued on a hire purchase basis after which the drivers will become owners after payment is completed. Once approved, IVM will be among the few Nigerian owned ride-hailing companies to compete with popular platforms such as Bolt and Uber.
