A Business Plan by Carl Joshua Ncube
1. Executive Summary: The Asset Revolution
MOTA (a play on the term for motor/car) is a specialized vehicle management and logistics service designed to empower members of the Zimbabwean diaspora. We address the common challenge of owning valuable assets (cars) that remain idle or underutilized while owners live abroad.
MOTA transforms these cars into revenue-generating engines through a proprietary system that deploys them into the high-demand local car hire and courier sectors. Our core promise is maximum revenue generation and total asset protection. The service culminates in an unmatched benefit for the owners: access to a pool of vetted vehicles when they return home, solving their mobility problem instantly. This is asset utilization, trust, and convenience—all under one bonnet.
2. Company Description
2.1 The Diaspora Value Proposition
MOTA is built on a foundation of trust and transparency, essential for engaging the diaspora community.
- For the Diaspora Car Owner: We offer peace of mind and consistent income. The car remains registered in their name but is managed, maintained, insured, and monetized by MOTA for a fixed commission.
- For the Local Market: We supply a reliable, well-maintained fleet for the fragmented and often inconsistent local car rental and last-mile courier market.
2.2 Mission and Vision
- Mission: To revolutionize asset utilization in Zimbabwe by providing diaspora owners with a trustworthy, profitable, and convenient platform for vehicle monetization.
- Vision: To become the largest, most reliable, and technologically advanced diaspora-supplied vehicle management pool in Southern Africa.
2.3 Operating Model: The Fleet Pool Concept
When an owner returns, their car might be on a hire contract. Therefore, the owner is entitled to the use of any equivalent vehicle within the MOTA pool (or their own, if available). This guarantees the owner mobility upon arrival without interrupting ongoing revenue streams.
3. Products and Services
MOTA offers a three-pronged service model that maximizes vehicle uptime and revenue.
| Service Pillar | Description | Target Customer | Value to Owner |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Car Hire (Short-Term Rental) | Daily, weekly, and monthly rentals to tourists, corporate clients, and local residents. | Travelers, SMEs, and Local Professionals. | High-volume, predictable daily income. |
| 2. Courier & Logistics Support | Dedicated contracts for last-mile delivery and small-to-medium package transport for local businesses. | Courier Companies, E-commerce, Local Vendors. | Consistent weekly income, supplementing hire revenue during low season. |
| 3. Diaspora Pool Access | Guaranteed access for the car owner to any equivalent vehicle in the MOTA pool when they visit Zimbabwe. | The Diaspora Car Owner. | Eliminates the stress and cost of renting a car upon return. |
| 4. Asset Management | Full service includes tracking, routine maintenance, deep cleaning, licensing, insurance, and accident management. | The Diaspora Car Owner. | Zero effort required; total peace of mind. |
4. Operational Plan: The Hub
4.1 Technology and Tracking
- GPS/Telematics: Mandatory real-time GPS tracking on all vehicles for security, misuse prevention, and insurance compliance. Owners can view vehicle location/status via a secure online portal.
- Booking Platform: A digital app or web portal for diaspora owners (to check income/status) and local clients (to book hire/courier services).
4.2 Single Hub Setup and Staffing
This plan is based on managing an initial fleet of 10-15 vehicles from a single operational hub.
| Role | Count | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|
| Hub Manager | 1 | Fleet logistics, owner communications, and finance reporting. |
| Driver/Courier Specialist | 1 | Handling scheduled courier routes and vehicle drop-offs/pick-ups. |
| Maintenance & Prep Staff | 1 | Daily vehicle checks, cleaning, and coordinating with third-party mechanics. |
| Total Staff per Hub | 3 | Lean team focused on high-efficiency operations. |
4.3 Maintenance & Risk Management
All vehicles undergo a mandatory 15-point inspection before entry into the pool. We maintain a relationship with certified mechanics to ensure prompt servicing. Comprehensive insurance covering rental use and theft is mandatory for every vehicle, paid for via operational funds.
5. Financial Projections
5.1 Key Financial Assumptions (Year 1 – Single Hub, 10-Car Fleet)
| Metric | Assumption | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Fleet Size (Start-up) | 10 vehicles (Average sedan/SUV value: $8,000) | Conservative initial fleet supplied by the diaspora. |
| Average Daily Rental Rate (ADRR) | $50.00 | Standard mid-range rental rate in the local market. |
| Utilization Rate | 60% | 18 days per month per car, factoring in maintenance and idle time. |
| Operating Months | 12 | Full year of operation. |
| Mota Commission (Revenue Split) | 30% | Covers management, logistics, tracking, and MOTA’s profit. |
| Owner Payout (Revenue Split) | 70% | Generous split ensures high diaspora incentive and trust. |
5.2 Single Unit Build & Operational Setup Costs
Assumption: Initial setup of a secure, centrally located office/parking area (lease, security, minor fitting).
| Category | Estimated Cost Range (USD) | Mid-Point Estimate (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| I. Infrastructure & Security | |||
| Office/Parking Lease (6 Months) | $2,500 – 6,000 | 4,250 | Deposit and 3 months rent for secure premises. |
| CCTV, Alarm, Secure Fencing | $2,000 – 4,000 | 3,000 | Essential for asset protection and owner trust. |
| Office Equipment (Desk, Computers, Printer) | $1,500 – 3,000 | 2,250 | Hub administrative setup. |
| II. Technology & Legal | |||
| Custom Software/Portal Development (Basic MVP) | $3,000 – 6,000 | 4,500 | Tracking dashboard and owner interface. |
| GPS Tracking Hardware (10 Units) | $150/unit×10 | 1,500 | Purchase of devices. |
| Legal Fees (Contracts, Licensing) | $1,000 – 2,000 | 1,500 | Diaspora contract drafting and operating permits. |
| III. Pre-Operating & Working Capital | |||
| Initial Marketing & Branding | (See Marketing Budget below) | 3,000 | Launch campaign targeting diaspora social groups. |
| 1st Month Working Capital / Float | $5,000 – 10,000 | 7,500 | Fuel, minor repairs, and insurance float. |
| Total Estimated Start-Up Cost (Single Hub) | $16,000 – 34,500 | $27,500 |
5.3 Projected Profit & Loss (Year 1 – MOTA Commission Only)
| Category | Calculation/Assumption | Projected Value (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| A. GROSS REVENUE (10 Car Fleet) | ||
| Total Rental Days: 10 cars×18 days×12 months=2,160 days | ||
| Total Rental Income: 2,160 days×$50/day | $108,000 | |
| B. MOTA REVENUE (Commission 30%) | $108,000×0.30 | $32,400 |
| Owner Payout (70%) | $108,000×0.70 | ($75,600) |
| C. OPERATING EXPENSES (MOTA’s Share) | ||
| Payroll (3 Staff @ avg. $500/month×12) | 3×$500×12 | ($18,000) |
| Fuel/Logistics/Cleaning (MOTA’s Share) | $300/month×12 | ($3,600) |
| Insurance & Licensing (MOTA’s Coordination Fee) | $100/car/month×10 cars×12 | ($12,000) |
| Office Lease, Utilities, GPS Subscription | $500/month×12 | ($6,000) |
| Maintenance Float (Owner-funded, MOTA manages) | Excluded from P&L | N/A |
| Total Operating Expenses | ($39,600) | |
| NET PROFIT (EBITDA) | MOTA Revenue – Expenses | ($7,200) |
Initial Net Loss Justification: The initial year is focused on brand building and system refinement, with high fixed costs (software, secure premises) being absorbed by a small fleet. The Net Loss of ($7,200) highlights the need for a larger minimum viable fleet (MVC) of approximately 15 cars to cover fixed overheads and reach break-even. The high Owner Payout ($75,600) is the key selling point for fleet growth.
6. Marketing and Franchise Development
6.1 Marketing Budget (Year 1)
Assumption: Marketing focuses heavily on digital channels to reach the diaspora and build trust.
| Activity | Estimated Cost (USD) | Rationale |
|---|---|---|
| Diaspora Social Media Campaigns | $1,500 | Targeted ads on Facebook/WhatsApp groups focusing on trust and income potential. |
| Content Marketing (Testimonials, Videos) | $1,000 | High-quality video production showing asset handling and owner interviews. |
| Partnerships | $500 | Barter deals with remittance services or diaspora associations. |
| Total Initial Marketing Budget | $3,000 |
6.2 Franchise Vision
Once the single hub model achieves a 20-car fleet and consistent profitability, MOTA will scale through franchising to other major cities (e.g., Bulawayo, Mutare). Franchisees would leverage the MOTA brand, system, and diaspora network for vehicle supply.
