Ola will no longer provide its services known as Ola Play from November 15
- ByStartupStory | November 11, 2022
Ola Play, the company’s in-car information and entertainment service, will be discontinued from the Indian market beginning November 15, 2022, according to an announcement made by ANI Technologies on November 11, the parent company of the ride-hailing company Ola.
“Notice is hereby given that ANI Technologies is closing its ride segments referred to as OLA Play from the India market, to be effective from November 15th, 2022,” the company said in a statement. “We have taken appropriate measures to remove the segment from the market as well,” the statement continued. “The effective date for the closure of the ride segments will be November 15th, 2022.”
Ola’s spokesperson, on the other hand, declined to comment on the latest developments. According to a source in the industry who spoke on the condition of anonymity, “the focus has shifted completely to Ola electric and if you see all investments toward that segment…the company is streamlining all of its businesses, and this could be one such exercise to cut costs.”
To refresh your memory, in July 2022, it made a cost-cutting move by laying off over 400-500 employees and announcing that the company’s focus would be shifting towards electric vehicles. This was in response to a delay in listing plans and a difficult funding environment.
Additionally, the company has expanded into newer geographical locations. According to the source from the industry that was cited earlier in the passage, “the focus may shift towards global expansion now instead of businesses that are burning the company’s cash.”
About Ola
In point of fact, Ola made the decision to discontinue Ola Dash, its fast-moving commerce business, at the beginning of June 2022. The company also announced that it will recast its cars business to place a greater emphasis on bolstering its electric division. The company discontinued its used car sales operation in the same month, which was only a little over a year after it had first opened for business.
The company stated at the time that the move was a part of its strategy to accelerate its journey toward electrification and build on its core capabilities in mobility and financial services. Additionally, the company stated that the move was part of its strategy to build on its core capabilities in financial services.
In the notice that was made public today, it also mentioned that the company prohibits any third party from making any kind of use of, modification to, or transfer of the Ola Play devices, especially while the ride-hailing services are being provided.
Ola Play, which is a personalized tablet or device that is connected to the car, was introduced in the year 2016. Riders have access to features such as maps, music, and videos while riding. Only four-door sedans were equipped with the feature at the time.
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