How does one get rewarded for driving a connected car? What would one be rewarded with? Why should one be rewarded in the first place?
These are just some of the many questions I had upon reading about how Vancouver-based Mojio has partnered with Kiip, another Vancouver startup, to “reward everyday driving moments in connected cars.”
So, who are the companies? Mojio connects cars to people, places and things, through the cloud. An iOS and Android app supports the platform that unlocks and connects real-time vehicle information to a user’s life. “From parking payments to turning off lights as a user leaves home, Mojio will automate many everyday tasks while keeping driver safety and convenience top of mind. Quick and easy to install, the device simply plugs into the onboard diagnostic port (OBD) of most cars introduced since 1996,” said the company.
Meanwhile Kiip is a rewards network, founded by Brian Wong, Courtney Guertin, and Amadeus Demarzi.
The partnership will integrate Kiip’s technology into Mojio’s iOS and Android apps. These mobile apps pair with Mojio’s cloud-connected devices that plug into cars to unlock real-time vehicle information. It’s Kiip’s first foray into the connected car, enabling new types of ambient reward moments for its over 500 brand partners to participate in, such as meeting mileage goals and fuel efficiency. Drivers will be able to redeem rewards in the Mojio app.
“We are very excited to extend in-the-moment rewards to connected cars with Mojio,” said Kiip’s CEO Wong. “For instance, if you leave for work at 6 a.m. instead of the usual 7 a.m., a brand like Starbucks can jump in and reward you with a free coffee for getting up early. This ability to recognize daily driving habits creates a whole new set of inventory in our rewards network for brands to reach consumers directly in their cars.”
Mojio will also contribute rewards through its app ecosystem in “areas such as valet parking, location sharing and automated parking.”
