Afdhel AW is the Founder of IndusGo with a rich experience in Business Management and Finance. Over the years, Afdhel has been instrumental in modernizing Indus Motors into a digital-first company backed by the use of cutting-edge technologies.
Afdhel’s philosophy is centered on a digital and data-first strategy, where every decision is backed by data and driven by technology. Under Afdhel’s leadership, IndusGo aims at enhancing the customer experience and strengthening its leadership as the biggest Self-Drive fleet operator in the country.
Prior to IndusGo, Afdhel held various leadership roles with the Centre Square Mall and Safety Service Group Distribution Hub, including twelve years as Director at Bridgeway Holding. Afdhel also had a brief stint at Ernst & Young (EY).
Afdhel holds a BSc degree in Accounting and Finance from Lancaster University. In addition to this, he is a qualified ACCA from England.
Passionate in Marketing in conversation with Mr. Afdhel AW:
Tell us about IndusGo and how its self-drive car rental service differentiates itself from traditional car rental companies in the market?
Established in 2018, IndusGo has rapidly emerged as one of India’s leading self-drive car rental companies, renowned for its cutting-edge technology and phygital customer experience. Our goal has been to revolutionize the car rental industry by providing customers with a self-driving experience that empowers them to make their own choices. Unlike traditional car rental companies, we understand that time is precious, which is why we’ve streamlined the process through our user-friendly mobile app. With just a few taps, users can book, pick up, and return the vehicle hassle-free. We take pride in our diverse fleet of well-maintained cars, equipped with modern technology to make your journey comfortable and enjoyable.
While all other players in the self-drive car rental space prefer taking the asset-light approach, IndusGo, backed by its parent company, Indus Motors, relies on owning assets which keeps us in complete control over our assets(cars), allowing for optimal use wherever and whenever it is required. Additionally, unlike other players in the sector, IndusGo does not bank on fundings from Venture Capitalists who prefer the funds to be directed towards marketing rather than buying assets. The company relies on the financial backing of its successful parent company thereby ensuring financial stability and security.
How has the increasing popularity of on-demand transportation influenced the expansion and development of IndusGo’s rental service?
The surge in on-demand transportation has profoundly influenced IndusGo’s rental service expansion. As the trend reshapes mobility preferences, IndusGo capitalizes by offering flexible rentals, aligned with temporary vehicle use. The automobile rental process at IndusGo is not only straightforward and smooth, but also incredibly economical and simple. This is completely in line with the shared mobility trend, since it allows individuals to enjoy private automobile access without the responsibility of ownership.
Furthermore, the growing concerns about urban congestion and environmental impact have led to a thorough exploration of alternative transportation models. IndusGo’s diverse fleet, spanning environmentally friendly vehicles to luxurious cars, empowers customers to make choices in line with their values and preferences.
What promotional strategies and marketing channels does IndusGo employ to encourage repeat business from existing customers? How are seasonal offers and discounts (if any) promoted to reach the right audience?
IndusGo employs a multifaceted approach to foster repeat business from its existing customers, leveraging a range of promotional strategies and targeted marketing channels. We value our existing customers and believe in rewarding their loyalty and that’s where personalized communication comes into picture. They can find information about our seasonal offers customized according to their preferences on our mobile app, website, and active social media.
How does IndusGo leverage social media platforms to increase brand awareness and attract more users?
IndusGo strategically boosts brand awareness and drives engagement by attracting a wider audience on social media platforms. Through captivating campaigns and content, consistent posting, and interactive engagement, the company maintains an active presence that resonates with its target audience. The main objective is to draw the audience towards trying out our cutting-edge app-based service.A recent example of the same is our new Instagram Campaign around #DriveItYourself, which encourages customers to go driverless and ‘Take the Front Seat’ through a series of captivating vertical videos with minimal dialogue. Creating this campaign allowed us to bring forth the promises we make to our customers, that of a safe and hassle-free journey.
We also emphasize on the use of relevant hashtags, informative content, and paid advertisements to target particular demographics and make sure our offerings and promotions reach them effectively.
How does IndusGo plan to ensure the safety and maintenance of its self-drive rental vehicles?
IndusGo prioritizes the safety and upkeep of its self-drive rental vehicles through a comprehensive approach such as conducting rigorous pre-rental inspections to ensure that each vehicle meets safety standards. Further, our cars also include a Vehicle Monitoring tool, which allows customers to access real-time information about their vehicles, such as their position and kilometers driven. This enables effective fleet management and vehicle activity tracking. Customers can also access tracking information via the IndusGo app and website, and receive real-time updates on the status of their vehicle. This functionality enables IndusGo to give support 24 hours a day, seven days a week. When specific predetermined events occur, the system can give consumers alerts and notifications. We also have capabilities that allow cars to be immobilized as necessary, reducing the danger of unauthorized usage or theft.
Moreover, GPS tracking and telematics technology are employed to monitor vehicle health in real-time, enabling proactive maintenance.
To enhance safety, our vehicles are equipped with modern safety features such as airbags, anti-lock braking systems, and traction control. We ensure rigorous cleaning and sanitization protocols maintained between rentals to maintain hygiene standards. The IndusGo app also has an SOS function that uses IoT data from the automobile to provide emergency help.
