Didigo: Driving Malaysia's automotive eco-system towards digitisation

KUALA LUMPUR 18 May – Mobile applications have presented itself as a necessary convenience in this day and age. Attesting to these success stories is Didigo which despite only having a soft launch in April has garnered more than 1,000 users or car owners who can source for an automotive service of their choice using the app.

Car owners have experienced easier access to making reservations for their cars to be picked up and driven to a service centre of their choice. The list of services offered are aplenty as Didigo has partnered some 100 workshops to date.

"We promise a fully transparent process. The onus is on the workshops to use genuine products and they have to display a full price-list for the services offered. Our users are encouraged to leave feedback or a review so others can make an educated decision when using the platform," said Sean Yiap, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

The idea of Didigo emerged in 2019 and took about a year for its development and functions. The implications of COVID-19 on businesses further accelerated the launch of the platform.

"If there is a positive takeaway from the virus outbreak, is that there is a growing awareness of how digitisation is important and effective. This is not just applicable to the car owners but also across the board in the business world," Yiap said.

Thus far, more than 80% of car users have expressed that they are pleased with Didigo's pick-up service. A dedicated professional team is on standby to cater to car owners’ needs to ensure peace of mind.

"We have plans to extend our services to SOS Car Breakdown assist services in the near future," Yiap said, adding that workshops and car-service centres have expressed growing interest to partner with the platform.

Didigo looks to connect on both Business-to-Business (B2B) and Business-to-Customer (B2C) levels. Automotive product suppliers can reach out to workshops that are available and listed on the app, businesses that are involved in car image (service maintenance, car washing, waxing and polishing services) are also welcomed to connect.

"Of course, to the public, Didigo presents the various solutions that they would need. They would need to pre-register their vehicle and then source for the service they need via our app. I would say the platform is best for car owners who have passed their warranty window for car service," he added.

Didigo targets to tie-up with 500 workshops by the end of 2021, and projects that some 100,000 users will be registered on the platform.

"There are incentives to be enjoyed upon signing up with us. This is based on a loyalty reward point system. These points can be used to redeem other services like car washes, engine oil purchases, tinting services, (ceramic) coating for your car body, car batteries and many others," Yiap explains.

Didigo is powered by Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) towards Electronic Vehicles, amongst other technologies. When a car model is registered on the platform, Didigo's system is able to recommend the service solutions and package for customers.

"The system also keeps a service track-record to remind car owners of their next service or predict the next possible change of parts, for example. IoT Using Didigo gives people an added value of ensuring their vehicles have second-hand value in showing how well their car is taken care of.

"There is no denying that IoT is fast becoming a driving force in all industries. In the automotive world, IoT systems help by generating preventive and/or predictive maintenance alerts to drivers because they are connected to in-vehicle sensors. These sensors track everything from engine temperature, tire pressure, acceleration, levels in fuel and brake fluid and drivers would be notified of any possible issues in advance," he explains.

Didigo was established from funding by a few angel investors but as the platform gains popularity and expansion plans into Southeast Asia grows more fervent, Yiap confirms that there are discussions with a few more large scale investors.

"We are looking to expand into the SEA market within three to five years; specifically targeting Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia and Philippines for starters. In our efforts to raise funds, we are planning to do this via equity crowdfunding and venture capital.

"Ultimately, we launched Didigo as a stepping stone in our motivation to digitise a modern lifestyle. The app starts with the automotive world but we will soon include food and beverage services, travel, and wellness services, amongst others," he added. - DagangNews.com