Drivers consistently express frustration with unforeseen repair costs and the stress of unexpected breakdowns. EasyRep's research indicates that nearly half of drivers (42.8%) encountered unexpected repair costs in the past year, while over half (54.2%) reported negative experiences with car repairs. Industry data reveals that approximately 10% of drivers experienced breakdowns in 2023, with a significant portion (40%) stemming from preventable issues like battery problems (TCS Report).
To overcome this challenge, students at the ETH Zurich have developed EasyRep, a platform that combines a proprietary On-Board Diagnostics (OBD) device with a smart system connecting drivers to a carefully vetted network of trusted repair shops. This provides drivers with real-time vehicle health data, enabling proactive maintenance and minimizing the risk of unexpected breakdowns and expensive repairs. This approach offers significant benefits beyond mere convenience. By providing drivers with predictive maintenance capabilities, the platform contributes to extending vehicle lifespans, reducing downtime, and enhancing efficiency within the automotive service ecosystem.
In an undisclosed seed funding round, the startup has raised funding to take the solution to the next level, allowing it to ramp up activities as in preparation for the launch in 2025. The company is actively expanding its network of trusted repair shop partners and refining its OBD device technology. This seed funding provides the resources needed to scale operations, forge strategic partnerships, and deliver on its promise of hassle-free car ownership for drivers across Switzerland. EasyRep's vision is more than just fixing cars; it's about empowering drivers to enjoy the open road with confidence.
“This funding allows us to build the team and technology required to bring our vision of stress-free driving to life. We're empowering drivers to take control of their vehicle's health, saving them time, money, and unnecessary headaches”, says Tarek Manai, CTO of EasyRep.
(Press release/RAN)