iCarsclub aims to popularize carsharing in Asia by making it more convenient, less expensive

Asia might make a promising market for carsharing. Depending on where you live, cars are either too expensive or rendered useless by traffic congestion. These problems give carsharing intiatives an invitation to come in, which is why iCarsclub wants to be an early player in this space.

The Singapore startup has been working on their solution for months, and after delays with finalizing their motor insurance terms, it finally launched on 12 December.

Collaborative consumption for motor vehicles is not new in the world or even Asia.  This year, we’ve seen ridesharing apps enter the market, offering users the ability to split costs on a cab fare or find a carpooler to share a ride to work. Governments are particularly supportive of this concept due to its public benefits: Reducing air pollution and traffic congestion. Read more

Trend alert: Explosion of peer-to-peer rideshare services in Singapore, parts of Asia

A slew of peer-to-peer rideshare services have gained popularity in parts of Asia in recent years,  a sign that entrepreneurs are bullish that such businesses can become sustainable in their respective markets.

In Singapore, web portals like TompangBuddy and CarpoolKing have long existed as a meetup point for those who are eager to carpool.

However, the scene there is turning a corner. A second wave of rideshare services have gotten significant press coverage. A departure from Dot-Com type enterprises, many of these new startups are mobile-friendly and offer user interfaces that are more suited to modern sensibilities.

These startups can be categorized into carshare and cabshare services. Some straddle both. Read more