Car rental industry is expanding through and through following the emerging of technology in changing the traditional way of consumers booking a rental car. Go Green Matrix has established a solid core in the business by moving forward with the latest trend in technology. For Wahi Abd Rashid, the founder of Green Matrix Enterprise Travel & Tours, he believes that the success of a business relies on the quality of the services provided.
A leading in car rental provider since 2006, Green Matrix prides itself on catering to the individual tastes of customers across the nation. The business has a strong track record in meeting customers needs with a focus on the quality of the services provided, digital solutions and sustainable business models. Backed by the total sale of RM 5.9 million in 2018 they aim to be the frontier in the car rental service provider.
Demanding a better future
Wahi Abd Rashid was previously a tutor at UPM (Universiti Putra Malaysia) Bintulu, Sarawak with a PhD background in Environmental Science. The idea to start a car rental business popped up when he saw the difficulties for students and staff on the campus to run errands in the nearest town. The campus is located in a secluded location, deep down in a palm plantation – so owning transportation is essential.
I just want to have RM 300 extra to buy groceries for my family every month.
Eventually, he saw the potential of running a car rental service – targeting solely his students as the biggest potential customers. A side note, before he became a tutor, he used to work at a car rental company in Langkawi. But, he never thought of doing it as a main source of income.
Green Matrix was born
“In November 2006, my wife and I started the business and we bought used cars within our very limited budget. The demand was getting higher day by day but due to the limited number of cars available, we couldn’t cater to all demand.” Luckily, his friend who runs a car rental service in Bintulu willing to lend several cars. In return, Wahi gave him commission based on the booking.
Expanding ahead
In 2010, Green Matrix has 70 cars in total that operated in Bintulu only. “I had the vision to open up branches outside Bintulu but the main obstacle is money. Several people asked me to teach them how to start a car rental business. So I got an idea to do licensing.” In 2011, we expanded to Kuching, Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur and Kota Kinabalu and by 2013 they have covered the whole of Malaysia!
Even though Green Matrix Enterprise Travel & Tours is a small business, the excellent record proved their capabilities to be the fast-moving car rental provider in Malaysia. “Without us knowing, overseas Online Travel Agent started to see us as a potential company to work with. Some of the recognised OTA are from Ireland and the United State and they offered us to join them. What made us even prouder was Go Green Matrix received the highest booking compared to others in the record.”
Tackling the changes of technology
Today, Green Matrix acted as a hub for all independent car rental suppliers. He got a fresh and innovative idea to create a platform that gathers all independent supplies to maximise the demand from the market. In Jun 2018, Green Matrix officially shifted to Green Matrix.
Whenever I feel like I want to give up, I look at my family and I know I must continue doing it for their future.
“We started taking in individuals who wish to join us. Once they registered under us, we will give them all the training that they need to start off. The movement simply to provide a solution to cover all the bookings. With this idea, we will distribute the bookings fairly among the suppliers.”
Almost gave up
The founder of Green Matrix shared that he almost gave up when he faced hardships. In 2006 until 2012, he lost eight cars in total that resulted in a profit loss. Putting his family as a source of motivation, he continued with the business and never give up. For Wahi, he fully utilised his knowledge as in doing licensing and training to earn more pocket money and not solely depending on the car rental business.
Not afraid of the competition
The most important element that keeps Green Matrix through the challenging industry is their service quality. When the mobile app-based car-sharing programme, SOCAR first came to Malaysia, it was quite a challenging period for them given the competitive price that they offer. But, Wahi believes that Green Matrix strong point which is excellent service quality helps them maintain the operation.
“Green Matrix strength is that we are available nationwide. Besides, this innovative and unique business module has not been introduced in Malaysia yet so we are affirmed that we can do well.” The best part of Green Matrix is the company is 100% organic as in fully self-funded without receiving any fund from banks. That is one of the motivations that local entrepreneurs can learn from.
The future of Green Matrix
He proved that car rental is not a sunset business by proving the total sale recorded RM 5.9 million in 2018. Green Matrix wishes to expand the business overseas. “We are targeting Asia region as in Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia and Vietnam. For now, we do have a licensing in Brunei and we are planning to grow slowly,” said Wahi who targets RM10 million turnover for this year.
Do not afraid to pursue your dream and believe in yourself
“As an entrepreneur, you need to have a mentor to guide you and keep on seeking knowledge. With a strong knowledge together with a desire to achieve your dream, you can definitely ace it. Believe in yourself and don’t easily give up,” he ended the interview.
Green Matrix
https://www.gogreenmatrix.com/
