Ride hailing service Uber Technologies Inc. is forging its way to bigger things as it has collaborated with Maven, the ride-sharing service from General Motors.
As part of the partnership, which is a 90-day pilot program for car rental, Uber drivers in San Francisco, California, can hire a car from General Motors through Maven.
On Tuesday, Nov. 1, the two companies announced the collaboration which is a part of Uber's Vehicle Solutions initiative. This program essentially allows Uber's partners or drivers with flexi options that allow them to access cars they can drive around via the Uber platform.
"Today we announced an additional step for Maven to engage with professional partners across the car-sharing and ridesharing industry. Only 10 months after launching Maven, we have implemented viable business-to-business platforms that GM can leverage to manage residual values for ex-lease and fleet vehicles," noted Julia Steyn, General Motors' VP of Urban Mobility.
How Does The 90-day Pilot Work?
If you have signed-up with Uber to drive, and are in San Francisco, you will be easily able to locate a "qualifying vehicle" that is at a convenient pick-up point.
The Costs Involved?
Uber drivers in San Francisco will need to shell out $179 as rent every week. This sum is not inclusive of additional taxes and fees. However, the $179 includes insurance coverage.
Which Are The "Qualifying Vehicles" For The Pilot?
Vehicles offered are the Trax, Malibu and the Chevrolet Cruze.
The Perks?
Uber currently partners with Enterprise, which also allows drivers to lease vehicles. However, this collaboration is a tad more expensive as drivers need to shell out $215 each week to hire a car.
The Maven partnership is cheaper by comparison. Moreover, if an Uber driver chooses to use the car for their personal use, there are no extra charges involved. Additionally, if any servicing support is required, Chevrolet's dealer network will be at hand to offer the same.
Will The Pilot Be Available In Other U.S. Cities?
The pilot program is only for a 90-day period and it is not known if it will become a permanent feature. As far as its availability in other U.S. cities is concerned, Rachel Holt, regional general manager for Uber North America and Canada, revealed that it will remain confined to San Francisco for now.
Uber is optimistic that its collaboration with Maven will benefit its drivers in the long term by offering them more options and flexibility in the context of vehicle accessibility. The initiative is an amalgamation of Uber's huge ride sharing network with General Motors' massive vehicle fleet. The partnership will not only aid easy access to a vehicle to drivers who do not have a car, allowing them to make money by driving through the Uber platform.
