Volkswagen Rwanda's Move service, a ride-hailing app, has been making waves in the country, offering convenient transportation through a fleet of assembled vehicles. However, recent reports highlight pricing glitches that have confused and discontent users.
Move Service Overview
Volkswagen Rwanda's Move service is an IT-based ride-hailing platform where users can request rides through the Move app. The app operates similarly to popular international taxi-hailing platforms, utilizing GPS technology to connect users with assembled Volkswagen vehicles. The fleet includes three car models: Teramont, Passat, and Polo, each with varying pricing.
Pricing Glitches and User Experience
Recent user experiences, such as that of Innocent Karenzi, revealed unexpected pricing discrepancies within the Move service. Users noticed strange price variations, with the cost of a Polo exceeding that of a Passat for the same destination. Karenzi reported the issue to Volkswagen Rwanda but received no response. Further surprises occurred when returning from the same destination, with the initial price increasing, leading to dissatisfaction among users.
Customer Complaints and Company Response
Frustrated users took to social media, especially Twitter, to voice their complaints directly to Volkswagen Rwanda. The company acknowledged the issue, investigated, and apologized for the inconvenience. Volkswagen Rwanda assured users that those overcharged would be reimbursed, demonstrating a commitment to resolving the pricing glitches.
Move Service Challenges and Unavailability
Apart from pricing issues, Move service users have raised concerns about the unavailability of cars, particularly during weekends. Volkswagen Rwanda acknowledged the growing demand for the service, with over 20,000 app users, while only fifty driven cars operate in two shifts across Kigali. The company cited increasing demand as a challenge, leading to a shortage of available vehicles.
Move Service Future: Electric Cars
Volkswagen Rwanda aims to revolutionize the transportation landscape in Rwanda by introducing electric cars to its Move service. The carmaker plans to unveil 50 electric cars before the end of the year, making Rwanda the first African country to incorporate electric vehicles into a ride-hailing business. This move aligns with Volkswagen's commitment to sustainability and offers an eco-friendly alternative to gas-powered vehicles.
Volkswagen's Presence in Rwanda
Since establishing a $20 million assembly plant in Rwanda, Volkswagen has played a significant role in the country's automotive sector. The plant, capable of producing up to 5,000 vehicles annually, has created around 1,000 jobs. The company's entry into the Rwandan market signifies a shift toward new vehicles instead of relying on second-hand imports.
Conclusion
While Volkswagen Rwanda's Move service has brought innovative transportation solutions to Rwanda, recent pricing glitches and challenges related to vehicle availability have impacted user satisfaction. The company's proactive response to customer complaints and the upcoming introduction of electric cars signal its commitment to addressing issues and staying at the forefront of sustainable mobility in the country
