SA SME, Michanic defies odds during covid-19

A South African SME has utilised smart technology and a customer-centric business model to disrupt the auto repair industry. 

Similiar to that of Uber, Michanic is a technology platform that allows users to request assistance and repair services from several trustworthy car mechanics. Unlike other auto repair services, Michanic will come to the user’s selected destination to complete the service. 

Michanic is utilising smart technology and a customer centric business model.

Founded by South African entrepreneur, Lesetja Dikgale, Michanic was born out of the desire to improve the existing automotive industry offering. Initially founded as Car Care Click in 2016, the startup has grown in strides over the years. 

In 2016, the disruptive startup was selected as one of the top 20 startups out of 170 competitors in Google’s Developer Launchpad Programme. The accelerator program aids technologically innovative startups to grow by pairing them with the best of Google’s people, networks and technologies. 

Praesidium Capital Management, an Investment Manager provided seed funding which allowed Michanic to launch in 2018 after years of development. Currently, the service is available in Gauteng and the Western Cape with plans to launch in KwaZulu-Natal 

The impact of Covid-19 has prompted many South Africans to opt for less contact in terms of their daily activities and Michanic offers a service that means users do not have to leave the comfort of their homes or offices. 

Approved by the Retail Motor Industry Association (RMI), users can be assured that mobile mechanics are qualified to do the job. 

Technology 

The innovative platform forms part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution by using a data-first approach on its user-friendly interface to pair suppliers to customers in real-time.

Currently, Michanic is the only company that has the technology to offer this service in Africa which means that they are pioneering this hassle-free service.  

Customers first  

With a customer-centric focus throttling their business forward, Michanic allows users to choose any convenient location to have their car serviced or repaired. In an effort to develop its current offering, Michanic has launched a range of new features including installment payments (paying via credit), pensioner discounts and a new web app. 

Perhaps most importantly of all, in a struggling South African economy, the growth of this innovative technological business has directly created over 30 much-needed job opportunities for mechanics and support staff, including many female mechanics and female support technicians. 

As it grows, Michanic is looking to hire many more young and hungry professional South Africans, with plans to grow its partner mechanics to over 2000 qualified and vetted mechanics.

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Featured image: (Supplied)