Vietnamese developers reveal latest ride-hailing app
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The new app will work along the same lines as Uber and Grab, but with better understanding of local travel habits, developers said. A locally developed ride-hailing app was unveiled on Friday in Vietnam, giving travelers yet another option in the rapidly expanding market.
APPP, developed by Vietnam’s University of Transport Technology with funding from German-based investment company Sapa Thale, will work similarly to Uber and Grab but with a better understanding of local travel habits, its developers said.
Uber and Grab are both popular services in Vietnam and considered major rivals to traditional taxi companies, which have reported losses due to the competition.
While the other apps estimate the fare of each trip in advance, APPP allows the customer to negotiate the fare with eight drivers before booking, the developers said at the launch.
The investor expects a door-opening fare of between VND8,000-8,500 ($0.35-0.38) and for fees to range from VND6,000-6,300 per kilometer.
Sapa Thale said it has submitted an application to license the service with the transport ministry. No timeframe for a commercial launch has been revealed.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the key difference in how APPP calculates fares compared to its competitors?
What is the key difference in how APPP calculates fares compared to its competitors?
Unlike Uber and Grab, which estimate fares in advance, APPP allows customers to negotiate the price directly with up to eight drivers before confirming their booking, according to the developers.
Q.Which entities are involved in the development and funding of the new APPP app?
Which entities are involved in the development and funding of the new APPP app?
APPP has been developed by Vietnam's University of Transport Technology. Funding for the app comes from Sapa Thale, an investment company based in Germany.
Q.What is the expected pricing structure for APPP when it launches commercially?
What is the expected pricing structure for APPP when it launches commercially?
The investor anticipates a starting fare of VND8,000-8,500, equivalent to $0.35-0.38. Also, per-kilometre fees are expected to range from VND6,000-6,300.
Q.Has a launch date been set for APPP to begin commercial operations?
Has a launch date been set for APPP to begin commercial operations?
No, a specific timeframe for the commercial launch of APPP has not yet been revealed. Sapa Thale has submitted a license application to the transport ministry.