Mellowcabs – ‘A small revolution for urban transport’

In 2050, more than 65% of the world population will live in cities. We have to think now about the future or our urban areas, in a lot of different fields: food, accommodation, education… or transport! The Mellowcabs are new electric vehicles with one driver and two passengers, and maybe we will see them all over the world in the next years! Neil du Preez, a young and ambitious South African entrepreneur, wants to show that we have to rethink our transport model in cities. Interview.

Why Mellowcabs was created in 2012?

Neil du Preez, founder and CEO of Mellowcabs: I identified a need for real working micro-transport in South Africa. Our existing public transport system is really lacking! I spent a lot of time working and living abroad and it inspired me to develop a new type of vehicle.

How does it work exactly?

Mellowcabs is a brand new electric vehicle with one driver and two passengers. It provides 100% safe taxi services in cities. This vehicle conforms to international standards and almost everything is built in the country, from recycled materials. We already created eight prototypes to do road testing and pilot testing. We are launching a new vehicle around the last quarter of 2014… You will see the first Mellowcabs in the Western Cape in 2014, early 2015 we will be around Gauteng areas, and then eventually to KZN and the rest of the country!

‘Mellowcabs is a brand new electric vehicle with one driver and two passengers. It provides 100% safe taxi services in cities. This vehicle conforms to international standards and almost everything is built in the country, from recycled materials.’

You are creating a revolution in cities?

I hope so! I believe we can provide South Africa and possibly the world with efficient running and affordable transport service that really impacts people’s lives. We have done a lot of statistical research about what people need as a first and last mile transport service, so we hope that Mellowcabs will work!

What is the business model of Mellowcabs exactly?

We have two revenue lines. Firstly, the passenger fares which will be much cheaper than traditional cabs. Then, we have alternative revenue with advertising that we sell on and in the vehicles.

Neil du Preez, founder and CEO of Mellowcabs

How do you see the positive results of Mellowcabs?

It creates a lot of jobs in my home town as well as in the Western Cape and in the rest of South Africa. I want to be an example of an ethical funky modern type business that treats people well and provides reliable services.

‘I want to be an example of an ethical funky modern type business that treats people well and provides reliable services.’

Could you give three words to describe the spirit of Mellowcabs?

Efficient real transport!

What is the biggest challenge for the organization?

Funding, access to resources, and knowledge. Sometimes I talked to the wrong people and I get wrong advises! Most of these problems have disappeared now.

How do you see the evolution of your organization in the next 10 years?

We have a very clear vision to bring Mellowcabs to every big city in the world. We really want to hack the transport environment in a certain extent.

‘We have a very clear vision to bring Mellowcabs to every big city in the world.’

Today, a lot of young South Africans want to embark on an entrepreneurial adventure to improve society. Could you give them a piece of advice?

Focus on your strong points, learn as much as possible because a lot of resources are available on the internet… just dream the dream!

A last word?

Please follow us on social networks and discover our website www.mellowcabs.com!