A Tinder-Like App Redefining the Mercedes-Benz Experience

Who's Mercedes-Benz?

Mercedes-Benz, a German multinational division of the Daimler AG, is a world-renowned automobile manufacturer famed for its line-up of premium vehicles. With a global reputation for luxury, innovation, and superior design, the automotive giant has an expansive network of dealerships and millions of loyal customers across the globe. Holding a significant market share, processing a multitude of daily transactions, and managing a massive influx of data, Mercedes-Benz continues to lead the way with a firm commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.

What problem was the project solving?

‍With hundreds of thousands of second-hand vehicles worldwide, Mercedes-Benz aimed to understand and analyze which models were popular in different regions of the world. They envisioned a web application called Starmatch to streamline this process by making the leasing experience through Mercedes Finance easier for customers and generating insights to support global second-hand car operations.

In collaboration with EY Etventure, we took on the challenge of creating StarMatch, a simple and intuitive mobile app to match users with the right pre-owned car at the right cost. EY Etventure steered the business and marketing side while we were responsible for product development. Starting in Sweden, the goal was to spread across countries, collecting key feedback and regional data on Mercedes' second-hand vehicles. The app would be critical for Mercedes Finance to improve its services and tailor attractive offers. And it would also provide Benz enthusiasts with a smooth ride to their dream car.‍

How did we bring StarMatch to life?

We developed the StarMatch app inspired by the simplicity and popularity of Tinder-like interface. Emphasizing the ease of a swipe-based interaction, StarMatch lets users express preferences for Mercedes' second-hand cars with a simple like or dislike. The app connects with Mercedes' vehicle data, presenting a tailored selection based on user preferences such as leasing rate, mileage, and location.

Transforming the process of car leasing, Mercedes Finance integrated StarMatch as the initial step for granting financing options. After selecting their preferred vehicle, users can contact the dealer for a test drive or financing discussions. The system captures these preferences and contact details, notifying the respective dealer. Thus, the app offers a seamless experience, from swiping your favorite car to landing the perfect financing deal. It all comes in one package and redefines how people find and finance their new Benz.

What was our team structure like?

To execute this project efficiently, we assembled a scrum team made up of backend and frontend developers along with UI designers. The backend team focused on smooth data handling while frontend developers worked on a responsive application. And our UI designers played a key role in crafting a visually appealing and intiutive design for the app.

What services did we deliver?

We provided expertise in two main areas: web development and software architecture. The web development part involved creating an interface that was both sleek and easy-to-use, meeting the needs of a diverse user base. On the software architecture side, we focused on building a strong and flexible framework. This not only supported the functionality of StarMatch but also ensured it could be easily expanded and modified for any future requirements.

What tech stack did we use?

For this project, we chose a powerful combination of technologies to deliver an optimized user experience. Our tech stack included Node.js for backend work, Angular for handling the frontend, TypeScript for safer code, and CircleCI for continuous integration and deployment, ensuring a smooth and effective development process.

What’s the result?

‍StarMatch not only simplified the car leasing process but also provided Mercedes-Benz with key big data about customer preferences on a global scale. Making full use of data analytics, the application's ability to collect and analyze user data became invaluable for Mercedes-Benz's strategic planning and data-oriented business strategy. This helped them see which models are popular in different countries, promoting a data-based culture within the organization. StarMatch also transformed the way customers approach car leasing. Through careful data analysis, this modern take on car selection and financing shows that even in traditional industries, there's always room for revolutionary change.