Limo concept drives new business opportunity

Sarah Stowe

What’s new in the transport arena? A state-of-the-art electric vehicle that can carry up to six people is hitting Australasian roads and providing an unusual business opportunity.

The Bongo Transit concept is a European idea, designed and manufactured by a Dutch company in Thailand, and it has made inroads into the European marketplace. Now the service, which can be focused on tourist or community use, is available here on a licensed basis.

The three-wheel car has been registered as a bus and can be operated as a get-on, get-off service.

Phil Luchetta, director of Bongo Transit, says there are 50 locations the company has highlighted for opportunities across Australia and New Zealand. Already the concept is operating in Sydney, Brisbane, Fremantle and Auckland.

“This has taken over four years to get off the ground,” he says. “It took two years to get approval for the vehicles to be registered for use on the roads.”

A licence fee covers any number of vehicles, but the cost of the licence doesn’t include vehicle purchase. Luchetta expects most licensees to operate more than one three-wheeler.