CEO

Year founded

Headquarter

Number of Employees

UberX | UberBlack | UberSUV | UberXL | UberPlus | UberPool | UberSelect | Uber eats

Lyft | Ola Cabs | Curd | Grab | Didi Chuxing

Did you know that 87% of Uber drivers said they drive on the Uber platform because they get to be their own boss.

Uber has positioned itself as the largest ride-sharing technology in the world. It was one of the first ride-sharing apps, operating across the globe. The transportation company had more than 40 million active monthly users in more than 760 cities internationally in the year 2016. In 2018 that number is forecasted to be 100 million

Uber has maintained a strong brand recognition in over 50 countries. It has already overtaken GM, Honda, and Ford regarding brand value framework. With its incorporation of new technological features, it is predicted to enhance its services in the next few years. Currently, Uber values at $72 billion (2018)

Uber operates on low fixed investment (low operational cost) and has easily accessed more cites in its communicative network. Because there is no fixed infrastructure or investment in place, the company continues to expand at a fast pace.

Uber has remained consistent in its dynamic pricing strategy. It’s “Higher the Demand; Higher the Price” policy has proven to be beneficial to its drivers and industry. Its drivers earn a substantial amount at night time and during bad weather and holiday nights.

The adaptive nature of Uber has great recognition across the globe. Its International exposure has allowed it to blend and integrate among different nationalities and cultures. It in turns has helped Uber to earn trust and reliability. It has received acclaim for its smart marketing. For example, the company uses its social media accounts to get in touch with customers. Through Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Uber lets its customers know about deals, promos, and any updates. Additionally, the company also addresses the complaints of its customers through social media channels. These social media channels are great for customer engagement and quick feedback.

Uber offers low prices as compared to traditional taxis. The biggest difference between taxis and Uber is that Taxis charge per mile (while traveling) and per minute (when not traveling). On the other hand, Uber charges per minute and per mile for both moving and idling. This pricing strategy has proven to be beneficial for customers. Additionally, Uber is cheaper than Lyft and SideCar in 20 major U.S cities. However, other variables affect the final price of a ride. These include the geographical location, distance traveled, surge pricing, cancellation fees, and other trip-specific additions.

The business model of Uber is ideal for a customer to driver interaction. Uber has created a rating system that helps customers rate their traveling experience as well as the driver. This rating system helps identify the best drivers and monitors the performance of the drivers.

Uber’s brand has received negative coverage over numerous scandals and controversies. Cases such as sexual harassment and targeted attacks have defamed the company. It came to the point that its co-founder Travis Kalanick had to resign. Public outcry over these allegations resulted in #DeleteUber campaign where about 500K users deleted their accounts in 2017.

Although it has increased its revenues, Uber has been facing significant losses since 2009. In order to beat out its growing competition, the company began providing bonuses to its drivers and discounts to its customers. This investment has only resulted in Uber’s net losses to exceed $2.75 billion in 2016.

Uber’s heavy dependence on its workforce and internet has not been advantageous for the company. The behavior of its drivers has been unpredictable and has damaged the image of the company. Over 103 Uber drivers in the US were accused of sexual harassment and abuse which paints a poor picture of the company culture.

Uber faced a severe public backlash over its high pricing during Hurricane Sandy. This forced the company to revise its policy.

Customers are no longer impressed by unorganized cab services who have been over the market. This presents a lucrative opportunity for Uber. It can improve by offering its services based on accountability and performance. By tracking the performance of the drivers, the company can identify top performers. Additionally, the company can address the numerous cases of sexual misconduct that have been reported against many Uber drivers.

The world is becoming increasingly digital. More people prefer an interconnected – network that is easily available on their smartphones. Uber should continue to invest in services like Uber Eats and expand its customer base accordingly. There are countries and places where Uber does not operate like China and Denmark. Uber can increase its customer base by expanding its operations in these areas.

Uber has the potential to venture into driverless technology and other special transportation services like ambulances or other forms of emergency vehicles. This will help the company to differentiate, gain more popularity in public and the mainstream media.

Uber can also launch its own movers and packers for the public’s convenience, They don’t have any shortage of resources after all.

With competition on the rise, customer and employee retention can prove to be a challenge for Uber. Any financial incentive from its competitor is enough to steal its customer base and employees.

About 300,000 Uber drivers filed lawsuits against the company over the company’s minimum wage policy. These were settled out of court However, the cases were enough to threaten and damage Uber’s public image.

Competition from Lyft and other transportation services such as Ola in India has significantly affected Uber.