Buy a Tata car, be an Uber driver: Both cos tieup for a new scheme

Hyderabad - The Tata Group on Thursday announced a tie-up with ride-sharing company Uber Technologies to offer the drivers and owners on Uber platform comprehensive vehicle purchase and financing solutions, among other benefits. [caption id=“attachment_2740108” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  Reuters[/caption] Under the partnership, those looking to operate Uber cars can buy Tata vehicles such as Indica and Indigo from Tata Motors and also get access to flexible and customised financing solutions from Tata Capital and Tata Motors Finance. They will also be able to buy insurance from Tata AIG, said Madhu Kannan, Member-Group Executive Council, and Group Head for business development and public affairs, Tata Sons. In addition, Tata Business Support Services will provide operational support to drivers who want to use this new vehicle solutions programme, he said at a press meet here. This will be a pan-India initiative, which has been rolled out first in Hyderabad. Over the next one year, it will be extended to other places, enabling over 20,000 drivers to start their own business on the Uber platform, Kannan said. Last year, Tata Opportunity Fund invested in Uber. Eric Alexander, Head of Business, Uber Asia, said the company has made it possible for millions of people in India to get a ride to work at the push of a button. “Its clear from talking to drivers how much they value their flexibility and independence. Its why we are excited to work with the Tatas to help make it easier and more affordable for drivers to get on the road, thereby promoting micro entrepreneurship in India,” Alexander reasoned.