In the past year the first two electric car rental companies opened up in Madrid. Last year, Car2go was launched charging customers 19 Euro cents a minute. This year, a similar agency called Emov appeared in our lives offering the same rate but with a couple more benefits. Both agencies let you pick up any of their cars with a drop of a hat and return the car anywhere within the perimeter they’ve set out in the city. The unfortunate part of this story is that the first agency, Car2go, increased its rates to 21 cents after Emov was introduced. By this time it had accumulated enough customers and won their loyalty so it was a wise business move, I understand. A 2 cent increment isn’t much, I know, but it’s the principle of it that makes me less inclined to use its services. In fact, I refuse to rent from the company. As if that weren’t enough, subsequently Emov increased its prices too, to a whopping 25 cents a minute. Call me a rebel for saying so, but what a significant hike that is in so short a time (4 months). I’ve lost all interest in renting out either agencies’ cars. Is this considered boycotting? Probably. I know businesses increase their rates all the time, but really. Really. It’s not cool to increase your prices shortly after introducing your business and winning loyalty from new customers. From an opinion of a former electric car renter enthusiast, I must admit that I am disappointed.
I invite you to argue my point. If you don’t agree with me blacklisting those two companies, then tell me why. I doubt you’d be able to change my mind but I’d like to see you try 🙂
Signing off-
Shamim Sobhani
they can get away with whatever price the market bears at the moment. I tend to wonder tho if it’s only a momentary hike in price and they will have to return to reduced pricing if demand drops.
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Good point Jim. Now I must wait and see what happens…
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Madrid has a wonderful bus system. It’s still easy to get around. 😀
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Yes that’s true! It’s nice to change things up a bit
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Good for you, Shamim! I think you made the right decision. Do those companies even try to justify their rate hikes?
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Thanks! The 6cent company claims that it can offer better services, meaning mostly just expanding the perimeter of using the cars in the city
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All the more reason to buy a car!
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Indeed, you have got a point Shabnam!
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Perhaps I’ve overlooked the possibility of the original prices being low to begin with…? Thanks for stopping by ExpatUAE
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I think an ‘as needed’ rental is OK at 15 Euros/ hour but not for convenience. I’d take bus or metro then.
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Yes I agree
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Hi,Shamim your post is so informative.Well,I have nominated you for the Liebster Award.Congratulations.And keep writing.Just check my link-https://abhajhablog.wordpress.com.Bi.
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Wow, thanks once again Abha for the recognition! Hopefully I can find the time to do it!!
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