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70
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DECEMBER 2016
|
THINK
by
Jen Alexander
AD-ITIVES
Just Dropping In
Uber sends drones into Mexico City for a promotional y-by
How do you get the attention of solo
drivers in a smog- lled metropolis? Drop
a drone in their laps—or at least, in the
case of Uber, into the air right over traf c.
In October, the ride-sharing company ew
drones into Mexico City traf c (the Central
American city is the company’s busiest
location) holding signs that said, “Are you
going alone? For that reason you’ll never
see the volcanoes #UberPOOL.”
The note is a subtle dig at the
smog created by traf c congestion,
which obscures the view of neighboring
volcano Popocatépetl, and urges
drivers to instead take advantage of
the company’s carpooling service.
The drones themselves were used
as a one-time stunt, and the company
did not measure the results, but
UberPOOL is the latest offering. Uber
has previously offered UberYacht and
UberChopper, and there are whispers
of plans to launch UberBalloon
in China. Up, up and away!