Stephen Morris, FT San Francisco Bureau Chief, and Anu Adioye, FT West and Central Africa correspondent, dive into the ambitious plans of Uber to transform into a 'super app,' hinting at a major acquisition of Expedia. They explore the challenges Uber faces in broadening its service offerings beyond ride-hailing. Anu sheds light on the initiatives by African oil-producing nations to secure funding for fossil fuel projects amidst climate change debates. The conversation also touches on Boeing’s labor issues and the implications of investment strategies in Africa.
Hyundai Motor India's IPO faces challenges with only 50% subscription due to skepticism about its $19 billion valuation amidst a sluggish car industry.
Uber aims to transition into a 'super app' by potentially acquiring Expedia, seeking to centralize various services like transportation and travel bookings.
Deep dives
Hyundai's IPO Struggles
Hyundai Motor India's IPO, valued at $3.3 billion, is facing sluggish demand as retail investors remain skeptical. Despite significant promotional efforts, including extensive advertising in financial newspapers, the offering was only 50% subscribed in early trading. This lackluster interest can be attributed to a downturn in India's car industry, which has led investors to question the company's lofty $19 billion valuation. The combination of strategic misalignment and market conditions has left many wondering if the timing for such an IPO was ill-fated.
Uber's Super App Ambitions
Uber is pursuing a significant expansion strategy to transition from a ride-hailing service to a multifunctional super app by potentially acquiring Expedia. The concept of a super app involves becoming a centralized platform for various online services, akin to China's WeChat, which integrates messaging, payments, and shopping. Currently valued at $173 billion, Uber's CEO envisions the app as a go-to solution for transportation, delivery, and potentially travel bookings. By leveraging its increased stock price and revenues, Uber aims to solidify its market position and broaden its operational scope.
Fossil Fuels and Energy Poverty in Africa
A coalition of African oil-producing countries is seeking funding for fossil fuel projects, asserting the need to address energy poverty before shifting to green energy alternatives. This initiative, spearheaded by the African Petroleum Producers Organization, argues that Western financial institutions are becoming hesitant to invest in fossil fuels due to environmental concerns. However, the coalition believes that developed nations have benefited from fossil fuels during their industrialization and that Africa should not be denied similar opportunities. Their stance highlights a complex tension between immediate energy needs and long-term sustainability goals in the face of a global climate crisis.
Trading in the world’s second-largest IPO of 2024 begins on Tuesday, but retail investors have given a lukewarm reception to Hyundai Motor India’s listing. A coalition of oil-producing African countries is seeking $5bn to fund projects on the continent, and Boeing’s largest labour union will vote on Wednesday whether to end a costly strike. Uber has explored a possible bid for Expedia, in what would be the company’s largest acquisition. Plus, Elon Musk pledges to pay $1mn per day to random registered voters who sign his petition.
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