Linking Pet Transportation, Medical Care, Grooming, and Accommodation Services
[Asia Economy Reporter Yu Je-hoon] Hyundai Motor Group is launching an urban mobility service for pets based on electric vehicles.
Hyundai Motor Group announced on the 2nd that it will pilot the 'M.VIBE' project, which provides various pet-related services such as transportation, medical care, grooming, and lodging, for about four months until the end of August.
M.VIBE is a pilot project operated jointly by Hyundai Motor Group and KST Mobility, offering services that connect pet transportation and activities. It eliminates the hassle of customers having to check and book each service separately.
Hyundai Motor Group is responsible for service planning, platform development, and vehicle modification, while KST Mobility manages service operations. Additionally, collaborations are underway with Chosun Hotel & Resort, L'Escape Hotel, Arion Animal Hospital, 24-Hour Cheongdam Woori Animal Hospital, Petdoc V Care, Howlpot, and others. Hyundai Motor Group also received advice from pet experts such as veterinarians Seol Chae-hyun and Jo Kwang-min from the service design stage to ensure professionalism.
The vehicle used for this project is the newly modified Kia Ray EV. The modified vehicle is designed to provide a safe and efficient space configuration according to the number and size of pets, with features such as removal of the front passenger seat and installation of a driver guard to ensure the safety and convenience of other passengers, and it has a sleek exterior design.
The M.VIBE service is available through a mobile application. Customers can book desired services at preferred dates and times via the app and also purchase pet supplies. Boarding is possible both with the owner accompanying the pet or with the pet alone.
When using the transportation service, customers enter the departure and destination locations, check the estimated pickup and travel times, and then make a reservation. The transportation service also offers a return service concept, allowing a round trip back to the departure point. Reservations can be made from one week in advance up to 1 hour and 30 minutes before the scheduled time on the same day.
Hyundai Motor Group plans to pilot the M.VIBE service in certain areas of Seoul, then review and improve the regions, services, and vehicles before expanding. A Hyundai Motor Group official stated, "Pets have become important family members alongside the recent increase in single-person households and DINKs, and they will be significant mobility users in the future mobility market," adding, "Starting with M.VIBE, we will develop various services going forward."
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