99 launches premium ride-hailing category in Brazil

The ride-hailing company 99 is launching a new premium category called ‘99 Premier’ to compete with Uber. The service will debut in Recife during the second half of this month, serving as a pilot phase before potential national expansion.

The category will feature SUVs manufactured from 2022 onwards, including models such as the Corolla, Creta, T Cross, and BYD King. To maintain high standards, drivers must have a minimum rating of 4.9 stars and at least 100 completed trips. Passengers must also maintain a rating of at least 4.7 to request the service. Amenities provided during rides will include water, tissues, and phone charging cables.

To attract drivers, 99 is promising earnings 60% higher than the ‘99Pop’ category and approximately 20% higher than ‘99Plus’. The company is also introducing an artificial intelligence ecosystem designed to automatically identify potential incidents during trips and improve assistance for motorcyclists.