Mr. Kim Byung Jae is renowned in South Korea as the ‘Taxi King’ due to his unique choice of vehicle – a luxurious Mercedes-Maybach S-Class.
Mr. Kim, a veteran taxi driver with 20 years of experience, initially struggled to make ends meet with a regular taxi. He then switched to a more upscale taxi service, but it didn’t bring the desired results.
About seven years ago, he made a bold decision to upgrade to a Maybach, a prestigious and opulent automobile brand.
At first, Mercedes-Benz Korea was reluctant to approve the use of a Maybach as a taxi. However, after negotiations, they agreed, and a contract was signed a month later.
The Maybach’s purchase price in South Korea was approximately 250 million won (4.5 billion VND), but with tax exemptions, Mr. Kim acquired it for around 200 million won (3.6 billion VND).
Riding in Mr. Kim’s taxi is an exclusive experience, as customers must make reservations in advance. His services are often utilized by businesses to transport VIP guests to and from the airport, train stations, and hotels.
The base fare for the Maybach taxi is 500,000 won (9 million VND), and the 10-hour rental fee is 1 million won (18 million VND). The fare does not depend on the distance traveled.
With a steady stream of customers, Mr. Kim can earn up to 30 million won (542.5 million VND) per month, excluding tips from VIP passengers.
His clientele includes royalty from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, known for their generosity. These princes have been reported to tip as much as 500 USD (12.7 million VND) on occasions.
Mr. Kim’s monthly expenses for the car, including fuel, amount to approximately 1 million won (18 million VND). He is delighted with his Maybach, having driven it for about 100,000 kilometers without any significant issues.
TH (Tuoitrethudo)
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