Tag Archive for: Matthew Bezzina

Auto Businesses Can Thrive

How Auto Businesses Can Thrive in a Changing Industry 

/in /by

The Case for Diversification

The European car industry is under siege. Once the pride of the continent, it is now facing a two-pronged assault: declining demand and rising competition. Chinese automakers like BYD and MG are capitalising on economies of scale, cutting-edge technology, and aggressive pricing to dominate markets. In Norway, where EV adoption is at its highest, Chinese brands already account for 11% of the market, proving their ability to challenge Europe on its home turf. Meanwhile, even stalwarts like Stellantis are struggling; European production is faltering, and job cuts have become an unsettling norm. Tariffs may slow the bleeding, but as history with solar panels shows, protectionism cannot counter better products delivered at lower prices. 

So what does this mean for dealerships, car rental companies, and other local auto businesses? It’s time to look beyond the showroom floor. The industry is shifting, and those who diversify now will be the ones who thrive tomorrow. 

A Changing Market: Follow the Demographics

Car ownership is no longer the status symbol it once was. Millennials, Gen Zs, and Gen Alphas are increasingly turning away from the financial and environmental burdens of owning a car, a trend driven by urbanisation, rising costs, and climate awareness. Across Europe, driving licenses among young people have plummeted, with Britain seeing a 50% drop in teenagers obtaining licenses over the past two decades. Meanwhile, in cities like Paris, policies favoring pedestrians and public transport over cars are rapidly reshaping urban mobility. 

At the same time, the inefficiency of car ownership has come under scrutiny. On average, a car is in motion for only 5% of its life, spending the other 95% parked and underutilised. This inefficiency underscores the potential of shared mobility models, which allow for better utilisation of vehicles and public real estate while addressing consumer demand for flexibility. The rise of the shared mobility market—including car-sharing, subscriptions, and fleet rentals—is poised to reach €200 billion by 2030, marking a fundamental transformation in how vehicles are used and monetised. 

Diversify to Drive Growth 

For dealerships and rental companies, this transformation offers a lifeline. The infrastructure is already there—networks of cars, service technicians, customer relationships, and long-standing industry dominance and the social capital that comes with it—but the business model needs to evolve. Shared mobility offers an opportunity to tap into the growing demand for access over ownership. Mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) provides predictable, recurring revenue streams while meeting the needs of younger, digital-first, sustainability-conscious customers. 

Crucially, this shift doesn’t require starting from scratch. Many local operators are well positioned to integrate shared mobility services into their existing operations. Expanding into short-term rentals or flexible fleet offerings allows businesses to do more with the resources they already have. For car dealerships, this might mean partnering with subscription providers or launching their own branded services. For rental companies, it could involve adopting new technologies to streamline operations and enhance user experiences. 

The Time to Act Is Now 

The European car industry is at a crossroads, but local businesses do not need to wait for manufacturers to pave the way. Shared mobility isn’t a threat—it’s an opportunity to get ahead of the curve, reach new customers, and ensure long-term resilience. The future belongs to those who recognise that mobility is changing and act decisively to adapt. 

The next generation of customers is ready. Are you? 

By Matthew Bezzina, eCabs Technologies’ CEO

Will Europe compete in the global ride-hailing revolution

Will Europe compete in the global ride-hailing revolution?

/in /by

The case for digitisation and deregulation

In just five years, shared mobility services, including ride-hailing, are projected to account for over 10% of urban trips, signaling a multi-billion-euro opportunity for economic growth and the chance to tackle urban challenges like traffic congestion and pollution.

Yet, the future of Europe’s mobility market stands at a crossroads: will legacy taxi operators embrace digital transformation, or will they be replaced by tech-driven giants like Uber?

The answer hinges on Europe’s willingness to address its over-regulation crisis.

Europe’s Existential Challenge: Grow or Fall Behind

Mario Draghi’s report to the European Commission couldn’t be clearer: Europe is facing an economic reckoning. 

Without a significant increase in productivity growth, the EU’s economy will remain stagnant until 2050, while global competitors surge ahead. French President Emmanuel Macron echoed this alarm, pointing out that Europe’s regulatory burdens and underinvestment have left it trailing behind the US and China​.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the mobility sector.

Regulatory Barriers: Holding Back Mobility

Across Europe, regulations that once protected local taxi operators now stifle innovation. In Sicily, sky-high licensing fees deter new ride-hailing entrants, reducing transport options. France imposes pick-up restrictions that increase wait times for passengers. Spain caps the working hours of ride-hailing drivers, limiting flexibility. In Greece, outdated pricing laws prevent dynamic models that could boost service availability.

While these regulations were created with good intentions, they now harm consumers and choke out competition.

Meanwhile, in the US, deregulation is on the rise, with tech titans like Elon Musk set to influence policy further through the newly announced Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

President-elect Donald Trump, with the help of Musk, plans to slash regulations and streamline government operations, potentially accelerating the growth of ride-hailing platforms, posing a greater threat to European operators if they don’t adapt.

VAT in the Digital Age (ViDA): Leveling the Playing Field

But it’s not all bad news for Europe’s taxi operators. The European Commission’s new ViDA initiative offers a promising silver lining. By mandating that platforms like Uber and Bolt collect and remit VAT, this measure targets the price advantages these companies and their operators have long leveraged through tax loopholes.

With more uniform tax compliance, traditional operators will face a more balanced competitive landscape. Remarkably, the measure has gained overwhelming support across the EU, with Estonia—home of Bolt—standing alone in opposition.

These new VAT rules will help narrow the cost gap between legacy operators and ride-hailing giants, while also boosting EU revenues by up to €18 billion annually. By cracking down on tax evasion, Europe is promoting fair competition and helping traditional operators regain their footing in a rapidly evolving market.

An Urgent Wake-Up Call for Legacy Operators

For traditional taxi associations, the message is simple: Europe’s regulatory framework isn’t their saviour—it’s a potential downfall. The reports show that if Europe continues down this path, it will struggle to remain relevant in the global mobility market​.

Legacy operators must embrace technology to modernise and compete on an increasingly levelled playing field with global ride-hailing giants. This means using data-driven platforms to optimise routes, deploying user-friendly apps for seamless bookings, and improving customer experience to match the expectations of a digital-first generation.

A Balanced Path Forward: Regulation for Innovation

Europe stands at a crucial inflection point. The key is not to abandon regulation but to reform it. Regulation that promotes fair competition and eliminates tax evasion, as seen with ViDA, is essential.

Yet, regulation that enforces outdated business practices must be rethought. A unified, fair, and future-proof regulatory framework could attract investment, spur innovation, and drive sustainable economic growth across the shared mobility landscape.

Yet, achieving this requires political courage and a commitment to reform.

Without swift action, Europe risks falling further behind, costing billions in lost productivity and economic growth.

The time to act is now. 

The case for modernising Europe’s regulatory approach to ride-hailing has never been stronger. If we fail to rise to this challenge, we risk becoming irrelevant in an increasingly tech-driven world. For traditional taxi operators, the opportunity to adapt and thrive is there—but only if they embrace the future.

By Matthew Bezzina, eCabs Technologies’ CEO

 

Europe’s shared mobility market is growing 20% annually, to reach €200 billion by 2030 – Uber and co. want it all

Europe’s shared mobility market is growing 20% annually, to reach €200 billion by 2030 – Uber and co. want it all

/in /by

How will legacy operators fight back?

If you operate a taxi business or association today, this is what the likes of Uber and other ride-hailing giants don’t want you to know: the combined taxi and ride-hailing sectors are growing 20% every single year. And, by 2030, Europe’s shared mobility market is projected to generate €200 billion in annual revenues.

But, while legacy operators are dreaming of market share and margins of yesteryear, ride-hailing giants are growing faster than you think.

These Trojan Horses are silently sneaking into cities across Europe – luring drivers and taxi operators with promises of ‘low commissions’ and ‘platform partnerships’.

But what they are really doing is robbing legacy operators of everything they have worked so hard to build.

Traditionally, the shared mobility market has been anchored by taxi businesses and associations-regulated, for-hire chauffeured vehicles available through curbside hail, pre-booking, or dispatch. These businesses were and remain the backbone of this sector. If you run one of these operations today, do not make the mistake of believing you are the underdog. Because this is not a David vs Goliath story – not quite.

Sure, many of these large ride-hailing platforms can draw on billions in investor funding, but legacy operators still make up about half of Europe’s shared mobility sector. And, more importantly, you have something that these new rivals don’t. Legacy operators have built fleets of loyal and trustworthy drivers – something platforms need to spend big on to try and win over.

You also have deeply ingrained brand recognition, in some cases built over decades if not even generations. And most of you operate in regulatory environments that were designed around you and your needs.

The Ubers of this world on the other hand? They will do whatever it takes to steal your driver supply. They will weaponise their sleek apps to dazzle riders too. They will deploy sweeping, glitzy marketing and social media campaigns. They will even engage in product placement with streaming services like Netflix, targeting the GenZ and GenAlpha riders and drivers of tomorrow.

All the while, they will bully regulators into redesigning policy frameworks to work for them, and – if possible – against you.

These platforms don’t want a slice – they’re after the whole pie.

Embracing the future

Every year, ride-hailing’s share of the European mobility market grows. And, although traditional operators still have an edge, their life expectancy will hinge on their willingness to adapt to new realities. The past is over. The mobility market of the early 2010s cannot be recreated.

Today, more than ever before, it has become essential for taxi operators to embrace emerging technology. Younger generations expect seamless, user-friendly, app-based experiences. They expect this and just won’t settle for less.

Meanwhile, as car ownership declines and urbanisation continues to rise, the demand for efficient shared mobility solutions will only continue to grow.

Countries are also looking inward for innovation, particularly as the trend of hyper-globalisation has hit the brakes. This, again, presents a significant opportunity for homegrown disruption, allowing local operators to innovate and adapt to meet the specific needs of their communities.

A lot is changing. The opportunity to go after this €200 billion market is wide open.

It’s time for legacy operators to fight fire with fire – to become the innovators leading the future of shared mobility. But to do this, they need to invest in the future – in cutting-edge technology, operational horsepower, and industry-leading talent. You can do all this while still holding on to your brand, your autonomy, and without having to hand over the steering wheel.

The industry is growing. Are you?

By Matthew Bezzina, eCabs Technologies’ CEO

eCabs Technologies CEO tells UN body of challenges in scaling beyond Malta

eCabs Technologies CEO tells UN body of ‘sandboxing’ opportunities in Malta

/in /by

Matthew Bezzina spoke at the recent Global Innovation Forum.

Malta presents the perfect sandbox to test tech start ups, but scaling internationally is where the real challenge begins, eCabs Technologies CEO Matthew Bezzina told a United Nations event.

Speaking at the Global Innovation Forum last month, Bezzina weighed in on the complexities of scaling a business initiated in a small market, but said that given its seasonality, small size, and dynamic market, Malta is a perfect destination to test new technology solutions.

“For context, eCabs launched 15 years ago, the same year Uber started in the US and five years before Bolt. Sandboxing in Malta was perfect for us as we were able to test out ride-hailing technology in urban, suburban, and rural settings all at the same time and able to tweak our product in real time,” Bezzina explained.

The same, he said, could be true for other emerging technology in different contexts.

He emphasised that the regulatory landscape of a small, island nation like Malta required tailored solutions that did not always align with approaches used in more expansive markets.

This, however, proved to be a major asset for the company.

Bezzina said that being forced to have flexibility when designing the eCabs product over the years, positioned him and his team to understand the pain points of operators in diverse markets.

In packing this unique operational understanding, together with their tech, and their insights into marketing and different regulatory contexts, eCabs is now seeking to empower shared mobility companies to embrace digitisation.

Bezzina highlighted that while Malta’s size allowed eCabs to rapidly test and implement new technologies, expanding beyond national borders demanded an entirely different strategy.

“The process involves not only adapting to diverse regulatory requirements but also understanding the cultural and operational nuances of new regions,” he noted.

The forum, hosted by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) in Malta, gathered global tech leaders to discuss the future of digital transformation and entrepreneurship.

The ITU, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, is the UN’s oldest specialised agency and has been connecting the world since 1865.

With a membership comprising 194 Member States and over 1,000 companies, universities, and international organisations, the ITU’s Global Innovation Forum is a hub for exchanging ideas that shape the global tech landscape.

Bezzina was joined by Abi Gooch, the Global Corporate Responsibility Strategy Leader at Ernst & Young, Adma Rahman, Head of Entrepreneurship Innovation Centre, Ministry for Education, Brunei, Rosario Huaranaca Quispe, Generation Connect Youth Envoy, Bolivia, Prof Russel Smith, Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Business Incubation, University of Malta, and Zhuoyong Shi, Generation Connect Youth Envoy, China.

Asked what he felt underpinned the eCabs story, Bezzina said that successful scaling hinges on an agile mindset and a robust foundation built on trust.

“Building trust in a market as compact as Malta gave us the core advantage we needed when approaching larger, more complex markets,” Bezzina remarked.

He credited the lessons learned from navigating Malta’s regulations and customer expectations as instrumental in preparing eCabs for international expansion.

Today eCabs powers successful ride-hailing operations in Malta, as well as Athens, Greece, and Bucharest, Romania, with several other European jurisdictions in the pipeline for 2025.

With more than 450 employees and a quarter of a million rides completed monthly, the company has undergone considerable growth.

For more information visit the eCabs Technologies website.

In the Press:

Times of Malta | Newsbook

eCabs joins EU-wide Taxis 4 Smart Mobility coalition

/in /by

Pictured: eCabs Technologies’ CEO, Matthew Bezzina (left), and Director of Marketing, Erik Polus.

The group is the leading voice for a sustainable European taxi industry

eCabs Malta has announced it has become a member of the Taxis 4 Smart Mobility coalition, a network of innovative and socially responsible taxi organisations.

T4SM represents the European taxi industry, advocating for sustainable, smart mobility solutions while ensuring local and national regulations reflect the unique needs of communities—whether in small villages or large cities. With members from Austria, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland, the coalition brings thorough insight into the continent’s taxi sector.

eCabs Founder Matthew Bezzina said he was excited to join a group that is made up of some of the leading operators in Europe to lobby for a more sustainable industry.   

“Joining Taxis 4 Smart Mobility is a natural next step for eCabs, aligning perfectly with our vision for a future where mobility is seamless, sustainable, and technology-driven,” Bezzina said.

“We are committed to playing our part in fostering a smart mobility ecosystem that not only meets the needs of riders and drivers but also contributes positively to the environment and communities in which we operate. That’s because we truly believe that this industry can be a major part of the solution,” he added. 

Coalition Chairperson Gregor Beiner said eCabs was a welcome addition to the Taxis 4 Smart Mobility group. 

“eCabs Malta brings another important and dynamic perspective to the coalition with its innovative approach to smart mobility and deep-rooted commitment to sustainability. We are delighted that they are joining T4SM. We will continue to work together on a sustainable and stable mobility offer for Europe and have gained another important partner in eCabs Malta,” Beiner said.

Bezzina and eCabs Director of Marketing, Erik Polus, will attend the coalition’s upcoming meeting in November, shortly after the European Commission hearings are held in Brussels.

This meeting will discuss how the taxi sector can further contribute to the European Green Deal and the ambitious targets set for reducing carbon emissions by 2030.

The Taxis 4 Smart Mobility coalition’s mission is to ensure that the taxi industry leads by example in sustainable urban transport, contributing to the reduction of emissions and traffic congestion, and enhancing accessibility for all.

Through lobbying efforts and collaboration with policymakers, the coalition pushes for more supportive regulatory frameworks and investment in technologies that can transform the industry.

The eCabs announcement comes after Bezzina was among the international speakers at Europe’s leading taxi and transport conference earlier this year.

The European Radio Taxi Association conference brings together prominent figures from the taxi and transport industry across Europe, providing a platform for sharing insights, discussing challenges, and exploring the future of urban mobility.

Speaking during the ERTA conference, held in Düzce, Turkey, Bezzina recalled the eCabs journey over the years.

As a bootstrapped start-up successfully competing with global brands across several EU markets, eCabs has transitioned from a small traditional taxi operator to an app developer empowering fellow operators across Europe to successfully compete against global ride-hailing brands like Bolt and Uber. 

eCabs Technologies, the tech arm of the group, is responsible for developing the proprietary technology that powers the eCabs platform in Malta as well as other ride-hailing operations across Europe. 

New ride-hailing ventures in Bucharest, Romania, and Athens, Greece were launched earlier this year, with projects in other jurisdictions set to launch in the coming months. 

Meanwhile, with his extensive background in marketing and growth, having previously been engaged at Beat (part of FreeNow), Erik Polus said eCabs Technologies is on a mission to empower the taxi industry to successfully compete in the digital age.

“eCabs Technologies has a scalable and competitive ride-hailing tech offering, including rider and driver apps, and a suite of tools for operators, fleet owners, and company managers,” he said.

“We can safely say our solution is proven to be scalable and competitive as we use our tech stack every day to run our business in Malta, a business which includes one of the largest owned and operated fleets in the country, as well as thousands of partner drivers, and a 24/7 call and booking centre.”

“We have built the tools and developed the industry knowledge to partner with businesses that are seeking to not only survive but to thrive against ride-hailing giants,” he said. 

In the Press: Times of Malta | Malta Today | The Malta Independent

 

The innovator’s dilemma: Legacy taxi operators vs Uber

The innovator’s dilemma: Legacy taxi operators vs Uber

/in /by

The last of the taxi roof lights are flickering out, and their once-buzzing dispatchers’ radios are falling silent. Across Europe and beyond, long-standing legacy taxi operations face a formidable challenger: ride-hailing applications like Bolt and Uber are sweeping through every market, in every jurisdiction, gobbling up riders and drivers alike.

Contrary to what you might read elsewhere, legacy taxi businesses do not face an uncertain future. They face a clear and inevitable reality: ride-hailing is here to stay. The critical question as the rides industry continues to grow year-on-year is not if traditional taxi businesses will survive but who will take the largest slice of the pie: disruptors or traditional operators?

The dangers of complacency

Fifteen years ago, eCabs was born as a traditional dial-a-cab business. Like most legacy taxi businesses, we manually registered bookings and dispatched rides from our bookings office. I remember those days—passengers queuing outside our dispatch centre after a night out, drivers waiting idly for their turn to be called on the tannoy.

However, we founded eCabs with the intent to digitize our rides service. We built our own digital platform, on bare metal infrastructure, with all the complications that come with it. We’ve experienced the tricky transition from one system to another—patches upon patches, and late-night scrambling to get back online. All the while, we were competing against the largest ride-hailing platform in the region, Bolt.

Over the years, I’ve learned that disruption can come in pitter-patter, showers, or torrential downpours. In Malta, it was a deluge. After Bolt, came Uber. Today, eCabs is the only locally grown ride-hailing operation in its home market, with other businesses in different jurisdictions running on our platform. This success stems from our continuous investment in our digital offering, from partnering with global leaders like the Google Maps Mobility Platform to headhunting talent from leading ride-hailing tech players.

Facing the real threat

What we’ve learned is that the greatest threat traditional taxi businesses face today isn’t innovation and disruption; it’s the temptation to ignore transformative change. The danger is in burying heads in the sand, hoping ride-hailing tech will simply go away. Take it from me—it won’t. These giants are coming for the traditional taxi businesses, and the answer isn’t in ignoring the change but embracing it.

Legacy operators must become disruptors themselves if they want to survive. Harvard Business School professor Clayton Christensen introduced the concept of the Innovator’s Dilemma in 1997, explaining how established companies often focus on sustaining innovations—incremental improvements to existing products—at the expense of recognizing disruptive innovations on the horizon. These major changes may initially serve niche markets, but they have the power to redefine entire industries.

For legacy taxi businesses, the disruption came in the form of ride-hailing apps. Ignoring these innovations is a recipe for obsolescence. As Uber’s own CEO Dara Khosrowshahi said nearly seven years ago: “If you don’t disrupt yourself, someone else will.”

How to fight back

Digital transformation isn’t a button you press; it’s a process. What eCabs has developed isn’t just a white-label patch for legacy businesses trying to add a digital component to their service. We’ve packed 15 years of hands-on industry expertise into a platform built from real-world experience—competing against global ride-hailing giants, managing fleets, developing data-driven rider marketing campaigns, and educating policymakers.

This isn’t a first aid kit for traditional businesses; it’s a journey for operators who want to become regional leaders in mobility. Because make no mistake, global ride-hailing platforms aren’t coming for a piece of the pie—they want the entire thing.

By Matthew Bezzina, eCabs Technologies CEO

Matthew Bezzina will be a key speaker at the upcoming Start-Up Festival in Malta. The festival brings together entrepreneurs, investors, and enthusiasts to explore cutting-edge technologies, disruptive business models, and groundbreaking solutions. A highlight is the “Dream Big Malta” panel, celebrating the achievements of individuals from Malta excelling in international business, professions, or sports.

The original article may be found here.

eCabs Technologies CEO addresses mobility tech leaders at Barcelona summit

/in /by

eCabs Technologies’ CEO, Matthew Bezzina, joined Google Maps and other strategic partners in addressing mobility tech leaders at a summit in Barcelona on Wednesday.

The Leaders In Logistics Summit connects major stakeholders in mobility and logistics from across the globe.

Through unique insights, case studies, and innovation showcases, the event is where senior leaders from Amazon, DHL, Royal Mail, and other operators meet to shape the future of the industry.

eCabs Technologies CEO addresses mobility tech leaders at Barcelona summit 2

 

Bezzina shared the panel floor with Google Maps Head of Southern Europe Nicola Dalmazzo, Matteo Turani from OniGroup, and Gulliver’s Stefano Capoferri to discuss how integrating the Google Maps Platform is revolutionising the eCabs Technologies’ product.

Earlier this year, eCabs Technologies announced a pioneering strategic partnership with global tech giant Google.

The partnership, signed at Google’s offices in Milan, has seen eCabs integrate several of Google’s industry-leading tools into its ride-hailing tech stack, revolutionising its products and powering several new innovation projects.

The strategic collaboration has empowered all eCabs Technologies ride-hailing products to harness the Google Maps Mobility Platform, the global tech giant’s hyper-intelligent fleet and route management engine.

This integration means ride-hailing tech platforms developed by eCabs Technologies will now boast best-in-class geo-location tools and smart route management systems, for optimised rider, driver, and city partners experience.

In practice, this means eCabs Technologies will be better placed to navigate traffic globally, create optimised routes, and shorten waiting and riding times.

eCabs Technologies is only the second ever shared mobility tech provider globally to integrate Google’s mapping tech stack for ride-hailing purposes.

Speaking during the panel, Bezzina said eCabs Technologies is a company that was born in the smallest EU member state with the densest road network and the highest car ownership per capita – making it a unique sandbox for rolling out and testing ride-hailing technology.

The integration of Google Maps Platform is a major next step in eCabs Technologies’ journey.

“Partnering with Google, the undisputed world leader in global mapping and route management technology, is an endorsement, not only of eCabs Technologies’ mission to be a leading player in the international ride-hailing market but of the high standards of our dedicated and capable team. It signals that we are competing at the highest level in a complex and challenging global industry, truly building scalable and competitive ride-hailing solutions for the world’s operators” Bezzina concluded.

eCabs and Google enter strategic partnership

eCabs and Google enter strategic partnership

/in /by

eCabs Technologies riders, drivers, and platform city partners set to benefit from industry-leading route management, AI, and machine learning tech.

Photo caption: Francesco Fraccalvieri (TIM), Matthew Bezzina (eCabs Technologies), Nicolo Pisani (Google Italy), Ginevra Garelli (Google Italy) and Luca Di Michele (eCabs Technologies)

Precise ETAs, better route management, and new hyper-intelligent user tools and functions

eCabs Technologies has entered into a pioneering strategic partnership with global tech giant Google.

The partnership, signed at the Google offices in Milan earlier this month, will see eCabs Technologies integrate several of Google’s industry-leading tools into its ride-hailing tech stack, revolutionising its products and powering several new innovation projects.

The strategic collaboration will empower all eCabs Technologies ride-hailing products to harness the Google Maps Mobility Platform, the tech giant’s hyper-intelligent fleet and route management engine.

This integration means ride-hailing tech platforms developed by eCabs Technologies will now boast best-in-class geo-location tools and smart route management systems, for optimised rider, driver, and city partners experience.

In practice, this means eCabs Technologies will be better placed to navigate traffic globally, create optimised routes, and shorten waiting and riding times.

eCabs Technologies is only the second ever B2B private hire passenger mobility tech provider globally to integrate Google’s mapping tech stack for ride-hailing purposes.

Furthermore, eCabs Technologies has also agreed to migrate to the Google Cloud hosting service, providing the best security and reliability of service in the industry.

The successful migration to Google Cloud also radically improves scalability for all of its products, enabling enhanced testing and piloting.

The strategic partnership comes weeks after eCabs Technologies successfully began internationalising its mobility product.

Earlier this year new ride-hailing platforms powered by eCabs Technologies were successfully launched in Athens, Greece, and Bucharest, Romania, with several other jurisdictions in the pipeline.

eCabs Technologies CEO Matthew Bezzina said the strategic partnership with Google marks a pivotal moment for the company.

It means precision ETAs, optimised routes, and a suite of new user tools that will take eCabs Technologies to the next level of user experience.

“This is a very proud day for all of us at eCabs and we are thrilled to be bringing this innovation to our users, riders and drivers, as well as our city partners who have entrusted eCabs Technologies with powering their own ride-hailing ventures across Europe and beyond,” he said.

“Partnering with Google, the undisputed world leader in global mapping and route management technology, is an endorsement, not only of eCabs Technologies’ mission to be an important player in the international ride-hailing market but of the high standards of our dedicated and capable team. It signals that we are competing at the highest level in a complex and challenging global industry,” Bezzina said.

“eCabs Technologies was born to make transport efficient, accessible and affordable for all. We couldn’t be happier to be partnering with Google to provide tangible user benefits through best-of-breed technology,” he added.

An extremely powerful tool

eCabs Technologies’ Chief Technology Officer Luca Di Michele said the first phase of integrating Google’s mapping technology into the eCabs Technologies’ system is already underway.

“This is a quantum leap for us. It will allow eCabs Technologies to continue to expand and grow, providing better ride-hailing technology, not just for our home market in Malta, but for new jurisdictions where our city partners are launching their brands,” he said.

Users of the eCabs platform should expect to start seeing changes to the App in 2024.

Key highlights of the Google Maps Mobility Platform Partnership:

  • World-leading technology: Through the alliance with Google, eCabs Technologies is set to unveil a suite of world-leading technologies that will drastically improve the ride-hailing experience. Leveraging Google’s cutting-edge solutions, eCabs Technologies aims to provide users with state-of-the-art features and improved level of service.
  • Better ETAs: The integration will give eCabs Technologies access to new smart routing algorithms for improved traffic management.  New prediction tools, as well as historic and real-time data, will allow for platform optimization, meaning more precision in pick-up and estimated arrival times.
  • Optimised driver dispatching: Google Maps’ rich data combined with eCabsTechnologies’ operational expertise will ensure the right driver is dispatched to riders depending on multiple real-time factors, cutting down on and being more precise with waiting times while maximising partner fleets’ time and earnings.
  • Fewer deficiencies: eCabs Technologies city partners will benefit from a tech stack on par with the world’s leading ride-hailing players, allowing them to launch the best user experience possible.
  • Strategic innovation: The partnership signifies a commitment to strategic innovation, with eCabs Technologies harnessing Google’s expertise to enhance operational efficiency, elevate user experience, and introduce industry-leading features that will be available for all city partners across all eCabs Technologies products. It will also power pilot projects across AI and machine learning.

In the press:

Times of Malta | Lovin Malta | The Malta Independent | Malta Today

Blue officially launches in Romania, powered by eCabs Technologies platform

Blue officially launches in Romania, powered by eCabs Technologies

/in /by

Autonom Drive, the largest mobility operator in the Romanian market has selected the eCabs Technologies platform to launch Blue, a new ride hailing service in Bucharest, Romania.

Caption: eCabs Technologies CEO Matthew Bezzina (second from right) and Stephanie Portanier Mifsud, eCabs Technologies Cities Product Manager (far left) with the Blue leadership in Bucharest, Romania.

Powered by the eCabs Technologies ride-hailing technology platform, Blue is set to be an important player in shaping the ride hailing landscape in Romania, providing a seamless online ride-hailing solution for riders as well as safe and flexible work for drivers.

Blue is launching its service with a fleet of the latest Tesla Models 3 and Y and is available for download on the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.

Blue officially launches in Romania, powered by eCabs Technologies platform

This is the third territory in which the eCabs Technologies ride-hailing platform has been deployed, serving as the backbone for local transport businesses to launch their app-based ride hailing service under their own brand.

The use of eCabs Technologies technology in Bucharest, follows the launch of Taxi.gr app in Athens, Greece earlier this month.

With a fleet of over 12,000 vehicles and a workforce exceeding 600, Autonom Drive is a leading corporate in the mobility industry, operating in over 33 cities in Romania and Hungary.

An important player in shaping the ride-hailing landscape

Speaking during the official launch event in Bucharest on Wednesday September 27, eCabs Technologies Founder and Chief Executive Officer Matthew Bezzina said the successful roll-out of the service in Romania with a reputable player such as Autonom, is a strong confirmation of the global grade of eCabs’ technology stack and the capabilities of its people.

The Blue mobility service is set to be an important player in shaping the ride-hailing landscape in Romania, with a more efficient, quality-driven service, and like eCabs’ Malta, operating a unique 24/7 customer care and operations centre.

“We are thrilled to be working with Autonom and its team of professionals on this exciting project in the beautiful capital of Bucharest. The growth potential for Blue is evident, also very much fuelled by Autonom’s serious approach to business. I have no doubt that the strength of our technology platform combined with their focus and corporate stature will deliver exceptional results,” Bezzina said.

“This second launch in a few weeks, comes as we are engaged in discussions with corporate partners in key cities in Europe and beyond, to assist them in venturing into ride hailing business through our unique model, offering 13 years of packaged operational knowledge together with our bespoke multi-channel technology,” he added.

Bezzina added that the vision of taking eCabs Technologies to new heights would not have been possible without the support of the Malta Development Bank.

“The MDB has believed in and supported our internationalisation project from the very start, understanding our relentless drive to take our locally built technology overseas. Each city we launch in is a testament to their trust and support to help finance this growth which has helped make our vision a reality,” Bezzina said.

A safer and reliable service

Blue Managing Partner Andrei Stancu said the transport market in Romania is ripe for change and Blue is poised to deliver a safe, reliable, and affordable solution.

“The ride-hailing market in Romania is typically characterised by low standards of service and old vehicles, fuelled by cheap prices. At Blue, we made the conscious decision to fill and own a gap in the market, offering a safer and reliable round the clock service, using world class tech powering modern, high quality owned and partner fleets” Stancu said.

“After a thorough vendor analysis exercise, we chose to power our brand with the eCabs Technologies platform, and we’ve had an excellent understanding with the eCabs Team from the get-go. We are very optimistic about the future of Blue and the excellent business relationship we have with eCabs Technologies” he added.

The Romanian Market

Romania’s transportation market presents an exciting opportunity. With a population of over 20 million, and more than 11 million annual tourist arrivals. Whilst Blue has started its journey in the Romanian capital of Bucharest, the plan is for national growth.

And, with a significant portion of Romanian rides still waved down from the curb or booked over the phone, there is major potential for transformation and growth in the ride hailing market.

Tailor-made tech

Built in one of the world’s densest road networks and most competitive ride-hailing environments, eCabs Technologies provides a unique model in the international white label ride-hailing business – one which combines 13 years of 24/7 intimate operational expertise and a powerful, multi-channel technology platform.

This allows businesses all over the world to use the platform together with eCabs Technologies’ invaluable industry expertise and experience, to successfully launch their brands in any jurisdiction.

In the press:

Times of Malta | Malta Today | Lovin Malta | Who’s Who

eCabs Technologies on exporting ride-hailing tech

eCabs Technologies on exporting ride-hailing tech

/in /by

eCabs Technologies is exporting its technology and industry know-how beyond Malta’s shores, teaming up with overseas partners to launch new ride-hailing platforms. Its first international partnership comes in the form of Taxi.gr, which will debut in Athens, Greece this September, with other jurisdictions also in the pipeline.

The Athens launch in partnership with Greek company Intelligent Mobility App SA, signifies eCabs’ leap onto the global stage, backed by considerable research and development efforts, and a strategic drive for innovation and growth beyond Malta.

In an exclusive interview with MaltaToday, eCabs founder and CEO Matthew Bezzina sat down with MaltaToday to talk about the technological changes in the transport industry and what it took to take the eCabs product and export it abroad. He tells Nicole Meilak how the ride-hailing company transformed its business and is now going international.

Empowering global aspirants

eCabs Technologies describes its new product as a white-label solution for business interests looking to enter the digital ride-hailing space.

Bezzina says they have created ride-hailing tech that can be tailored to the specific needs of a foreign country and city.

The app they built for Greece for instance, looks and feels like the eCabs app, but incorporates specific features that are unique to the Greek transport reality.

This includes a unique pricing system that is based on the metering model used in traditional taxi cabs across Greece.

Similarly, when platforms launch in other jurisdictions, they will have their own unique features to reflect the rules and realities of that specific country.

But eCabs aren’t only bringing tech to the table. Bezzina says they also bring market expertise and operational know-how.

He said they are forming “comprehensive partnerships” with foreign operators, providing operational support, marketing assets, and industry acumen.

Their first partners are major taxi operators in the Greek capital.

Having been through the difficult transition from a traditional cab company to a digital ride-hailing platform, Bezzina says they know how to help other businesses make the same transition.

And they do it all from their headquarters in Malta.

“Within a 100m radius from our office, you have a ride-hailing laboratory, a research and development site right here in St Julians,” Bezzina said.

A digital evolution

Looking back on the eCabs Technologies journey over the years, Bezzina says the company was disruptive to the Maltese transport landscape. “eCabs Technologies made it easier for people to get involved in the industry”.

Today eCabs employs over 400 professionals, developing cutting edge tech, and is asserting its presence in the global ride-hailing market – a bold step for a Maltese, homegrown outfit.

“From 2016 and 2017 onwards, we went into a journey of digital transformation. Ultimately you need to level up in terms of the tech offering in order to be able to compete, not only on a local level but eventually on a global level.”

What was once a fleet ownership model has morphed into a dynamic marketplace connecting drivers and riders.

Technology has played an important role in this, but Bezzina thinks that data will have an even bigger influence on the market in the years to come.

“The more time passes, the more our company will have to become a data company. The user experience will be influenced, both from a driver and consumer standpoint, based on the right optimisation and usage of data.”

Triumph amidst adversity

COVID-19 took a major toll on cab companies – eCabs Technologies was no exception. The company experienced a 90% decline in year-on-year ride volumes as Malta ground to a halt.

But Bezzina says COVID-19 was the opportunity for eCabs Technologies to accelerate its transformation into a technology company.

“Throughout COVID the technology team became a technology company that today employs over 60 people. This is a growing number, and this all happened between 2020 and 2023.”

Bezzina says this is a story of resilience on several levels.

“It’s a story of resilience, of vision, of the team. It’s easy to do this stuff when you’ve just received a billion in funding. But we’re frugal, we optimised, and we’re self-funded. We survived – and even thrived – against all odds.”

The company’s move to internal technology development, Bezzina highlighted, was a pivotal move that enabled eCabs Technologies’ survival.

“Between 2010 and 2016 we used to depend on third-party technology… From 2016 onwards we took a conscious decision and said listen, we have to start building the technology internally because we have the product and operational know-how.”

And that leap has paid off with the company now eyeing overseas markets to export its technology.

The next time you are on holiday in Athens, you could very well be using Maltese technology to hail your cab ride to the Acropolis.

In the press:

Malta Today