Auto rental firm Zoomcar to enter SE Asia, Africa markets next year

The start-up is currently very India-focused, and has a presence in 27 cities

Bengaluru-headquartered self-driven car rental company Zoomcar aims to go global with the launch of its operations in South East Asia and Africa next year.

“Zoomcar is very much an India-focused company, but we are looking at international operations. We plan to launch operations in South East Asia and Africa markers next year,” said Greg Moran, chief executive officer and co-founder at Zoomcar India Pvt Ltd.

In the country, Zoomcar is present in 27 cities. Apart from metros and Tier-I cities, the company is aiming to penetrate into the Tier-III locations as well. Zoomcar launched its services in Bhubaneswar on Thursday and is eyeing Chhattisgarh as the next potential market.

“We believe Chhattisgarh can be a good market for us. In Bhubaneswar, our car fleet strength could go up to 200 within a year,” Moran said.

Zoomcar's pan-India car fleet stands at 3,000 of which 80 per cent is company-owned. The remaining 20 per cent is provided by Zoomcar Associate Program (ZAP).

Over the next six months, the company's car fleet is expected to rise to 6,000.

“Our growth in the India market has been huge and we command a market share of 65-70 per cent in self drive car rental space. Other players in this space are small and mostly operate in the offline mode,” he added.

However, he refused to share the growth or revenue numbers.

Operating since 2013, Zoomcar has raised $50 million in finding. Sequoia Capital and automotive major Ford have been key investors in the self-driven car rental start-up.

As part of its geographical expansion in the eastern India market, the company is planning to launch its operations in Cuttack which will be operated as a combined market later. Zoomcar parking has been strategically chosen in the city with proximity to both the airport and the railway station. The company is looking towards collaborating with local tourism board which will further enhance a better opportunity for locals and travellers.