Ola, an app based cab service, has been able to acquired licence to launch a self-drive car rental service from the Karnataka State Transport Department.
Bengaluru-based unicorn company said that users will be able to lease both intra-city and inter-city cars from convenient pick-up and drop points.
Ola also intends to offer short-term rental, long-term subscription, and corporate leasing models, it added.
Whereas, an Ola spokesperson said it is already providing ‘tailor-made’ mobility offerings across 12-plus categories including cabs, three-wheelers, and two-wheelers.
Ola, Bhavish Aggarwal and Ankit Bhati-led was founded in December 2010 as an online cab services in Mumbai. It is an online transportation network company developed by ANI Technologies Pvt. Ltd. The company has been expanding its horizons with focus on credit over the last few years.
“Launching a self-drive service is a natural extension for Ola and we are excited to build innovative offerings for both individual and corporate customers,” the spokesperson added.
The company further added that it will be deploying over 10,000 cars including hatchbacks, sedans and Sports Utility Vehicles from a range of automakers.
Ola further said that it would be investing over $500 million in the self-drive business in the next two years, and the company is working with leading car makers including BMW, Audi and Mercedes to make luxury cars accessible to mass commuters through a subscription model.
Some of the leading ride-hailing cab services includes Grab, Uber, Gett, Meru Cabs, Careem, and many more.