Kakao, the most-used mobile messenger service in all of Korea recently announced plans to launch a new chauffeur service by the name of 'Kakao Driver.' The on-demand service is operated through smartphones and serves as an experiment in fusing mobile business with offline services.
Kakao Driver is expected to launch in the first half of 2016, dedicated to "creating a healthy business environment through competition and providing more choices for users."
Considering that mobile messaging apps are such a crucial part of organizing casual get-togethers and planned events, Kakao Driver is an extension that furthers the ease of social gatherings online and offline. Even though many of the mobile messaging app's young users may not have a car, or have access to one, they will undoubtedly have a phone with which to order chauffeur services.
Messenger Taxi Services
Kakao's Mobile Messenger Now Has a Chauffeur Service Extension
Trend Themes
1. Mobile Chauffeur Services - The rise of on-demand, mobile-based chauffeur services offers an opportunity for businesses to expand their services and meet changing consumer demands.
2. Integration of Online and Offline Services - With the launch of Kakao Driver, there is a trend towards fusing mobile business with offline services to create a more seamless and convenient user experience.
3. Messaging App-based Services - Services like Kakao Driver show the potential for messaging apps to expand their business offerings beyond messaging and communication and into the realm of offline services.
Industry Implications
1. Ride-hailing Services - The rise of mobile-based chauffeur services presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for ride-hailing companies to expand their services and compete in a growing market.
2. Mobile Messaging Apps - The introduction of Kakao Driver demonstrates the potential for messaging apps to enter the on-demand service industry and offer new services to their user base.
3. Online-to-offline (O2O) Platforms - The integration of Kakao Driver into the KakaoTalk mobile messenger platform highlights the potential for O2O platforms to expand their service offerings and enhance the user experience.