When Volkswagen's Africa boss Thomas Schaefer set out to conquer the contin...
JOHANNESBURG/KIGALI - When Volkswagen’s Africa boss Thomas Schaefer set out to conquer the continent, he quickly realized he needed more than a flashy new product. He needed a new business model.
Industry experts are divided on the merits of the plan, with some questioning whether VW can compete with the likes of Uber and Bolt in Africa or, in light of those companies’ losses, if it should even try. VW’s ride-hailing cars are assembled in Kigali at a new $20 million plant that also produces vehicles for the relatively few customers able to afford a brand new Polo, Passat or Teramont.
VW hopes combining all these businesses - new car sales, ride-hailing, car-sharing, used car sales, parts and service - can make the company’s investment in Rwanda worthwhile. Rwanda has already earned a reputation for innovation - from a cashless public transport system to medical drones. The city’s budding IT sector allowed VW to develop its app locally.“This truly is a fantastic case study for future mobility in progressive frontier economies,” said Martyn Davies, managing director for emerging markets at Deloitte.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Why Meghan Markle Isn't Wearing Her Engagement Ring on Her South Africa Royal TourWhy Meghan Markle Isn't Wearing Her Engagement Ring On Her South Africa Royal Tour
Read more »
Baby Archie Looks Just Like His Dad in First Appearance on Royal Tour in Southern AfricaBaby Archie looked just like Prince Harry on day three of the Royal Tour in South Africa on Wednesday.
Read more »
Prince Harry, Meghan's son Archie meets Desmond Tutu in South AfricaPrince Harry, Meghan Markle's son Archie meets Archbishop Desmond Tutu in first appearance on family's South Africa tour.
Read more »
Archie Mountbatten-Windsor Makes His First Adorable Appearance in South AfricaArchie Mountbatten-Windsor just made an adorable appearance during Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's royal tour of Southern Africa.
Read more »
Meghan Markle Wore a Thing: Everlane Jumpsuit in Africa EditionIt's the same one she wore for her British 'Vogue' shoot.
Read more »
Meghan Markle Wore a Thing: Club Monaco Dress in Africa EditionAnother day in Africa, another look — this time from clubmoncao:
Read more »