China’s leading internet information provider Analysys International revealed that the number of taxi app users in China had reached 154 million by September 2014. Among them, 54.4% used Kuaidadiche and 44.9% used Didi.
Kuaididache operates in 358 cities, while Didi Taxi covers 300 cities. Both taxi app companies offer online gifts to attract new customers and secure their existing customer bases. In July Kuaidadiche launched “No 1 Chauffeur Service” that targets middle to up-market business customers. The service is now operational in 50 cities. Didi Taxi followed suit and launched “Didi Chauffeur” in August.
Analysys International has identified two major areas for improvements by taxi apps.
First, set up an integrated platform for car service users.
While taxi apps specialize in urban car use service, their service model can still develop further to offer more transportation solutions to users. The chauffer services are examples of this diversification. The development of taxi apps is closely linked to the redefining of urban car use. There is still plenty of potential for growth in service areas like online taxis, carpooling, and car booking.
Secondly, taxi apps should leverage popular platforms to penetrate the market.
Users will have a greater demand for taxi apps when visiting a new city, so taxi apps can offer services on online travel and public transport platforms to connect with more customers. (Translation by David)
