Toyota Partners With Uber To Offer Vehicle Buying Solutions For Drivers

Toyota Kirloskar Motor has partnered with the Indian arm of the American cab-service company, Uber, to offer end-to-end vehicle buying solutions for driver partners operating on Uber's platform. Toyota Financial Services India Ltd. will provide 90 per cent on-road funding for the Etios and Liva models for first time drivers only. As it says, the 90 per cent figure will encompass everything from a vehicle’s cost, accessories, service packages, registration road tax and insurance. The scheme will be applicable till December 31, 2016.

Interested customers can avail this scheme by walking into any of the authorised dealerships across India. Both Etios and Liva have served the cab drivers well as they incur low running and maintenance costs.

Speaking on the tie-up, N. Raja, director and senior vice-president, sales & marketing at Toyota Kirloskar Motor Pvt. Ltd said, “Toyota Kirloskar Motor is pleased to announce this tie up with Uber. We believe the 90% on road funding scheme will lead to a positive growth in the ride-sharing market. This initiative is another step closer to changing the dynamics of mobility needs of an average Indian and we are glad to be part of it. Fleet operators across India today have understood the value proposition of Etios. Etios & Liva have set a safety benchmark in the industry standardizing dual airbags and Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) across all grades."

Tomohei Matsushita, MD and CEO, Toyota Financial Services India Ltd added, “The company is committed to support Toyota customers in India. Uber being an important partner, we are delighted to support the tie-up and are willing to deliver best-in-class products and services to Uber."

Talking about this partnership, Uber India president, Amit Jain said, “Toyota vehicles are among the most popular cars on the Uber platform worldwide. We are proud to partner with Toyota India to boost grassroots entrepreneurship."

This tie-up comes soon after Uber’s arch rival in India, Ola, partnered with Mahindra & Mahindra and created the ‘Mahindra-Ola’ package. The package enables driver partners to get the Mahindra Verito sedan at special rates, financing options with zero down-payments, subsidized insurance premiums and maintenance packages. The ‘Mahindra-Ola’ package will also support drivers with accident insurance worth Rs 15 lakh and scholarships for children in 10th and 12th standard.

While the Toyota-Uber collaboration isn’t as exhaustive as the Mahindra-Ola one, the reliable and robust nature of cars from the Japanese car firm can alone make a huge difference for people who want to get themselves employed as driver partners.