THE RISE OF A PROMINENT CAR SERVICE PLATFORM
GoMechanic , a leading car service and repair platform in India, has undergone a remarkable transformation since its inception. Under new leadership, following its acquisition by Servizzy, a subsidiary of Lifelong Group in March 2023, the company has reached new heights. In the financial year 2023-24, GoMechanic achieved a revenue of ₹210 crore, with ₹85 crore generated in the first quarter of FY 2024-25 alone. This success marked a significant milestone as the company turned EBITDA positive during this quarter.
EXPANDING OPERATIONS AND INNOVATIONS
GoMechanic’s operational prowess is evident in its ability to service over 30,000 cars monthly through a vast network of more than 600 workshops across 50 cities. The company’s ambitions do not stop there; by 2027, GoMechanic aims to expand its presence from 50 to 1,000 cities, with the goal of servicing 1 out of 10 cars in India. The company’s commitment to innovation is showcased through specialized services for luxury cars, extended warranties, and the introduction of electric vehicle (EV) service stations. Additionally, the GoMechanic Accessories segment reported an impressive ₹11.2 crore in revenue for Q1 FY 2024-25, underscoring its growth and dedication to customer satisfaction.
MEET THE VISIONARIES BEHIND GOMECHANIC
Muskan Kakkar: The Heartbeat of GoMechanic
When Himanshu Arora teamed up with Muskan Kakkar to co-found Servizzy, he knew he had found an exceptional partner. Together, they built Servizzy, which later acquired GoMechanic, cementing their shared vision in the automotive service industry. Muskan is more than just a co-founder; she is the soul that keeps the company connected and thriving. Her unique ability to empathize with everyone around her, whether it’s the mechanics on the floor, the tech team burning the midnight oil, or the marketing department brainstorming the next big campaign, has made her an invaluable asset to the company.
Muskan’s empathy fosters a deep connection between all departments, ensuring that everyone feels heard, valued, and motivated. For her, it’s not just about running a business; it’s about creating a community where every team member feels like they belong and are integral to the company’s success.
In the fast-paced world of automotive services, new challenges and opportunities arise daily. While Himanshu often comes up with new ideas and strategies, Muskan plays a crucial role in meticulously analyzing each concept and determining what’s best for the business. Her ability to balance creativity with practicality ensures that GoMechanic’s ventures are not only innovative but also sustainable and profitable. Her strategic mind is the force that transforms ideas into actionable plans, steering GoMechanic toward consistent growth and success.
Himanshu Arora: The Visionary Behind GoMechanic
Muskan’s journey with GoMechanic began with Himanshu Arora, a leader with a deep passion for the automotive service industry. Himanshu’s strategic insight and market knowledge have been instrumental in transforming GoMechanic into a top name known for quality and innovation.
Himanshu’s role at GoMechanic is pivotal. He sets the strategic direction and oversees the company’s growth and expansion. His focus on ensuring that GoMechanic’s services match OEM standards while maintaining accessibility has significantly strengthened the company’s reputation. By expanding the company’s offerings to include a wide range of spare parts and accessories, Himanshu ensures that customers always have access to top-quality components.
A strong advocate for technological advancement, Himanshu has integrated modern solutions into GoMechanic’s operations, enhancing both efficiency and customer experience. His dedication to empowering local mechanics through training programs has elevated their skills to international standards, improving service quality and inspiring a new generation of automotive professionals.
The Future of GoMechanic
Under the leadership of Muskan Kakkar and Himanshu Arora, GoMechanic continues to set new benchmarks in the industry. Their comprehensive car care solutions and commitment to quality and innovation ensure that GoMechanic remains at the forefront of the automotive service industry, providing exceptional value to customers across the nation.
Working together, Muskan and Himanshu form a powerful duo, blending empathy, strategy, and vision to drive GoMechanic’s ongoing success and growth. With their leadership, the future of GoMechanic looks bright as they continue to innovate and expand their reach, setting new standards in the industry.
Entrepreneur One Magazine Sat Down With Himanshu Arora, Co-Founder Of GoMechanic
In this insightful conversation with Entrepreneur One Magazine, we catch up with Himanshu Arora, Co-Founder of Servizzy, which acquired GoMechanic, making strides in India’s automotive service industry. Himanshu shares the remarkable journey of GoMechanic, from its early challenges to becoming a household name for car care. He also delves into the innovative approaches that have set the company apart and offers a glimpse into the ambitious goals that will shape the future of car servicing in India.
Q. How are you different from people working in a similar domain?
GoMechanic distinguishes itself in the automotive service market through several key advantages. With a network of over 600 workshops across more than 50 cities in India, we ensure that you receive consistent, high-quality service wherever you are. Our customer-centric approach includes transparent pricing, easy online booking, and real-time service tracking, making car maintenance convenient and stress-free. We use only genuine spare parts and employ skilled technicians, ensuring that every service meets rigorous quality standards. Our advanced app and website provide a seamless user experience, from booking to tracking service history. Beyond repairs, we offer comprehensive solutions including doorstep service, premium car detailing, and 24/7 roadside assistance. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our use of eco-friendly products and efficient waste management practices. Additionally, our round-the-clock customer support ensures that you are never alone on the road. With ambitious plans to expand to 1,000 cities by 2027, GoMechanic is dedicated to setting new standards in automotive care.
Q. How are new immersive technologies making a positive impact on enterprises? And what new technologies are you using in your organization?
New immersive technologies, particularly in the Electric Vehicle (EV) sector, are significantly enhancing the car servicing industry by improving service efficiency and reliability. At GoMechanic, we integrate IoT (Internet of Things) and AI (Artificial Intelligence) to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving EV market. Our use of IoT sensors continuously monitors critical EV components such as battery health and motor performance, while AI algorithms analyze this data to predict potential issues, enabling proactive maintenance and reducing unexpected breakdowns.
We also employ advanced diagnostic tools tailored for the latest EV models, providing precise and detailed insights into the vehicle’s condition, and ensuring accurate repairs and maintenance. Our advanced battery management systems (BMS) monitor and manage battery performance, enhancing battery life and ensuring optimal performance.
These technologies collectively enhance the customer experience by offering real-time updates, predictive maintenance alerts, and efficient service processes, ensuring that EV owners receive top-notch service tailored to their vehicle’s needs. This integration of immersive technologies positions GoMechanic at the forefront of automotive care innovation.
Q. What are the new trends you see in the industry today?
The automotive servicing and accessories industry is seeing significant advancements, driven by technology and evolving consumer demands. Here are some key trends backed by data:
Rise of Electric Vehicles (EVs):
- Market Growth: EV sales are projected to reach 10 million units globally in 2024, a 25% increase from 2023.
- Government Incentives: Various governments are providing subsidies and implementing stricter emission standards to boost EV adoption .
Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs):
- Efficiency: FCEVs now achieve around 60% efficiency, with improvements expected to push this to 70% by the end of the decade .
- Adoption: Over 10,000 FCEVs are currently on the road, with forecasts predicting this number will rise to 13 million by 2030.
AI and Predictive Maintenance:
- Cost Reduction: AI-driven predictive maintenance can reduce repair costs by up to 30% by identifying issues before they become critical.
- Service Efficiency: AI diagnostics improve service efficiency by 20%, allowing for quicker and more accurate vehicle assessments.
3D Printing:
- Production Speed: 3D printing reduces part production time by up to 90%, enabling rapid prototyping and custom part manufacturing.
- Cost Efficiency: It lowers inventory costs by 30% due to on-demand production capabilities.
Connected Vehicles and Cybersecurity:
- Market Size: The connected vehicle market is expected to reach $60 billion by 2025, driven by advancements in infotainment and V2X communication.
- Cybersecurity Investment: Investments in automotive cybersecurity are projected to grow by 15% annually to address increasing threats.
Sustainability in Manufacturing:
- Recycling Initiatives: 70% of automotive manufacturers are now incorporating recycled materials into their production processes.
- Carbon Footprint Reduction: Efforts to reduce carbon footprints in manufacturing have led to a 20% decrease in emissions over the past five
Sustainability in Manufacturing:
- Recycling Initiatives: 70% of automotive manufacturers are now incorporating recycled materials into their production processes.
- Carbon Footprint Reduction: Efforts to reduce carbon footprints in manufacturing have led to a 20% decrease in emissions over the past five years.
These trends highlight the dynamic nature of the automotive servicing and accessories industry, emphasizing the importance of technology, sustainability, and efficiency in shaping the future.
Q. How do you encourage people to work in your organization?
At GoMechanic, we focus on empowering our employees through continuous learning and development. We provide various training programs and workshops to keep our team updated with the latest industry knowledge and skills.
We promote cross-departmental collaboration, enabling employees to gain diverse insights and expertise, which fosters innovative thinking and broadens their understanding of different business aspects.
Our entrepreneurial culture encourages employees to take ownership of their projects, make decisions, and innovate, preparing them for leadership roles and personal growth.
We value each employee’s contribution, which has earned us the “Best Workplace” award from India Today. This recognition and our commitment to a positive work environment ensure that all team members feel respected and appreciated.
Q. What are you looking forward to accomplishing most in 2024?
In 2024, GoMechanic aims to achieve several key milestones to drive growth and innovation. Our primary goal is to secure significant funding by showcasing our recent financial achievements, including a revenue of ₹210 crore in FY 2023-24 and turning EBITDA positive in the first quarter of FY 2024-25. This demonstrates our financial health and operational efficiency.
We are also focused on launching our digital product, GAAS (Garage as a Software), in 500 cities. GAAS is designed to help garage owners manage orders more effectively and increase customer retention through streamlined operations and enhanced customer service. This initiative is part of our broader strategy to expand our footprint from 50 to 1,000 cities by 2027, aiming to service 1 out of 10 cars in the country by that time.
These efforts are supported by our recent strategic partnerships and the expansion of our service offerings, which have significantly increased user engagement and order volume. By leveraging advanced technologies and innovative business models, GoMechanic is well-positioned to lead the automotive service industry in India.
Q. What challenges do you have to overcome to get here today?
Transitioning from GoMechanic 1.0 to 2.0 involved overcoming several key challenges. One major hurdle was redefining our brand to emphasize convenience, transparency, and trust. This rebranding required a comprehensive overhaul of our technological infrastructure to enhance service delivery and customer experience. Our efforts to convey these new values successfully led to a 137% increase in orders and doubled monthly active users (MAUs) within four months.
System integration posed another significant challenge. We merged various legacy systems with advanced technologies, necessitating substantial backend restructuring and data migration. This ensured compatibility and improved performance across our platforms. As part of this effort, we streamlined our workflows and achieved a revenue of ₹210 crore in FY 2023-24.
Data security has become increasingly critical. We implemented advanced encryption protocols and continuous monitoring systems to protect customer data, maintaining high trust levels and preventing breaches. Our robust cybersecurity measures were essential in safeguarding sensitive information.
Enhancing the user experience (UX) was another focus area. Through extensive research and iterative design improvements, we made our platform more intuitive and user-friendly, ensuring a smooth customer journey from booking services to receiving updates.
Training and adaptation were vital for our workforce to effectively utilize new technologies and workflows introduced with GoMechanic 2.0. Comprehensive training programs ensured our employees could maintain high service standards and efficiently use new systems. This training was crucial in supporting our expansion to over 600 workshops across more than 50 cities, servicing over 30,000 cars monthly.
Despite these challenges, our transition to GoMechanic 2.0 has successfully positioned us as a leader in the automotive service industry, demonstrating our commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
Q. What does success look like to you?
We aspire for GoMechanic to become synonymous with excellence in car servicing. Success is when terms like “quality service,” “reliable repair,” and “customer satisfaction” are immediately associated with GoMechanic. We aim to set a benchmark that far exceeds what local mechanics offer, establishing ourselves as the leader in the industry.
For GoMechanic, success means being the gold standard in car servicing, defined by convenience, transparency, and trust. We envision a future where booking service is as simple as a tap on your smartphone, and customers experience a seamless digital platform from start to finish.
Transparency is crucial. Success is achieved when customers know exactly what services they are getting, why they are needed, and the cost—no hidden fees. This builds trust and keeps customers informed and confident in their choices.
Unwavering trust is central to our mission. We aim for customers to confidently leave their cars with us, knowing they’ll receive top-quality service and genuine parts. Our consistent, reliable performance ensures every customer feels valued.
Ultimately, success is brand recall. We want car owners to think of GoMechanic first for all their automotive needs, creating lasting impacts and solidifying our position as the trusted name in car servicing.
Q. As a leader of your organization, what important decisions do you make for the company?
As a leader of GoMechanic, my key decisions focus on driving growth, securing funding, and maintaining quality. I set strategic directions, explore new markets, and invest in technologies like AR and AI to enhance our services. Ensuring high service standards through rigorous training and quality control, improving customer experience with transparent pricing, and seamless service booking are paramount. Building a strong team, forming strategic partnerships, and implementing sustainable practices are also critical. These decisions are aimed at positioning GoMechanic as the industry leader known for convenience, transparency, and trust.
Q. What are the new strategies you have adopted for your business?
Business Expansion
Market Penetration: We are expanding into tier-2 and tier-3 cities by setting up additional service centers. This strategy includes targeted marketing campaigns to capture local market share and address regional customer needs effectively.
Digital Product Launch: We are rolling out GAAS (Garage as a Software) in 500 cities to support local garage owners. GAAS will help manage orders better and improve customer retention through streamlined processes (Rediff Money) (Branch).
Operations
- Operational Efficiency: We are optimizing workflows to enhance service operations, reduce downtime, and improve service delivery. Our efforts aim to streamline processes and ensure smooth operations.
- Predictive Maintenance: We focus on proactive maintenance scheduling to prevent issues before they arise, ensuring the smooth operation of our service centers and minimal disruption for customers.
Office Culture
Continuous Learning: We prioritize continuous learning by offering regular training programs and workshops. This ensures our employees are well informed about the latest industry practices and can perform their roles effectively
On-Ground Workshops
- Technical Training: Regular workshops provide hands-on technical training for our service technicians. These sessions focus on the latest automotive repair techniques and customer service skills, ensuring high-quality service delivery.
- Customer Engagement: Our workshops include customer interaction programs, allowing technicians and service advisors to better understand customer needs and offer personalized service solutions.
Warehouse Management & Accessories
- Inventory Optimization: We have implemented strategies to optimize inventory levels, ensuring spare parts and supplies are available when needed. This reduces wait times and improves service efficiency.
- Lean Practices: Adopting lean warehousing practices helps us minimize waste and streamline operations. This approach enhances efficiency, reduces costs, and ensures a smooth supply chain
Q. What are some of your future endeavors?
GAAS (Garage as a Software) Expansion: We plan to expand our digital product, GAAS, to 500 cities globally. GAAS will help garage owners manage operations more efficiently, improve customer retention, and streamline order management. This initiative aims to support a larger network of garages worldwide, enhancing functionality and accessibility.
Global Expansion: We aim to extend GoMechanic’s presence beyond India, entering new international markets. This expansion will bring our expertise in car servicing and customer service to a global audience, helping us cater to a broader range of customers and establish GoMechanic as a trusted global brand.
More Relevant Products: We are committed to developing and launching new products that meet the evolving needs of our customers. This includes introducing new services and features to enhance the overall car servicing experience, ensuring convenience, transparency, and reliability for all users.
Operational Growth: Our goal is to service 1 out of 10 cars in India by FY 2027, expanding our presence from 50 cities to 1,000 cities. Currently, we service over 30,000 cars monthly through a network of more than 600 workshops, with plans to significantly increase this footprint.
These strategies reflect our commitment to continuous growth and innovation in the automotive service industry, ensuring we meet and exceed our customers’ expectations.
Q. What is the best advice you can give to our readers?
The best advice I can give is to deeply understand the entire business, not just your specific role. While working in a corporate environment, take the initiative to explore different departments and understand their functions. This practical approach will give you a comprehensive view of how the business operates and generates revenue.
By expanding your knowledge beyond your immediate responsibilities, you’ll gain valuable insights into the interconnected nature of the business. This holistic understanding is crucial for anyone aiming to become an entrepreneur, as it equips you with the practical knowledge needed to navigate real-world challenges and make informed decisions. So, don’t limit yourself; be curious, ask questions, and learn about all aspects of the business.
