It’s in an explosive context that ViaMalin makes its debut, with a simple ambition: to reduce drivers' bills. As geopolitical tensions, particularly around Iran, drive up oil prices, the French are seeing their fuel budgets skyrocket. It’s precisely at this moment that Jacky Montiel, a software engineer based in Écully, decides to take action. The result: a free platform, launched on April 7, designed to optimize every fill-up of gas.
Up to 20% savings on a trip
ViaMalin works like an intelligent co-pilot, capable of spotting the best options on your route. Much like Google Maps or Waze, the user inputs their starting point, destination, and vehicle type. The tool then analyzes nearby gas stations and ranks them according to their prices using a clear color code: green for the cheapest, red for the most expensive, and black in case of unavailability. Simple, efficient, no headaches.
The benefits are tangible and immediate: make real savings, sometimes significant ones. On a route like Paris-Marseille, ViaMalin estimates an average savings of up to 20%. A difference that can definitely impact the monthly budget, especially for those who rack up the miles. And here's a nice bonus: the optimized itinerary can be exported directly to classic GPS devices, with the most advantageous stations included as stops.
A European ambition... and maybe more!
Designed for times of pressure, ViaMalin is...also acts as a daily ally. Thanks to geolocation, the app allows you to find the nearest and most affordable stations in real-time. Super handy when that fuel light is flashing on the highway! The data, updated every ten minutes from public state sources, ensures optimal reliability. Plus, users can even report errors or shortages, making the tool participatory.
ViaMalin doesn't plan to stop at the French borders and is already thinking bigger. Its creator is looking to integrate electric charging stations, then extend the platform to countries like Spain, Germany, or Italy. In the long run, the project could even cross oceans. A gradual rise, fueled by a simple yet surprisingly effective idea: making fuel a little less painful every time you stop at the pump.