Core Viewpoint - The company Aotu Car Rental has publicly acknowledged its financial difficulties, revealing a crisis that has been evident through user complaints and legal actions against it [1][6][21]. Financial Difficulties - As of May 23, there were 1,789 complaints on the Black Cat Complaints platform regarding Aotu Car Rental's withdrawal issues, with users experiencing withdrawal periods exceeding three months, and some lasting up to six months [6][12]. - The company's operating entity, Shanghai Lexiang Sijin Technology Co., Ltd., has faced legal actions, including a forced execution record of 35,000 yuan and a tax arrears notice of 114,100 yuan [6][17]. - The founder's equity worth 5.3659 million yuan has been frozen by the Ningbo court for three years, indicating severe financial distress [6][17]. User Experience - Users have formed multiple rights protection groups on social media due to prolonged withdrawal issues, with some users expressing frustration over the lack of response from customer service [6][12][16]. - Aotu Car Rental's recent announcements regarding payment arrangements have been met with skepticism, as previous promises have not been fulfilled, leading to a loss of trust among users [12][16]. Marketing and Operations - Despite the financial crisis, Aotu Car Rental continues to engage in aggressive marketing on platforms like Douyin, raising concerns about using new user funds to cover existing debts [6][21]. - The company's operational changes, including a reduction in office space, reflect its ongoing struggles, while its official communication has become less frequent, indicating potential internal issues [10][12]. Industry Context - Aotu Car Rental's situation is part of a broader trend in the shared economy, where companies often face liquidity crises after rapid expansion fueled by external capital [21][22]. - The reliance on user deposits and pending earnings as short-term cash flow tools has been highlighted as a significant risk, especially when capital withdrawal occurs [21][22]. - The shared economy sector has seen a decline in financing since 2017, leading to increased scrutiny on business models and operational sustainability [22][23].
一边提现困难,一边投流拉新,"闲置经济"标杆摇摇欲坠
Guan Cha Zhe Wang·2025-05-26 07:36