India's Ola ties up with BMW for luxury cabs segment

[MUMBAI] Indian ride-sharing service Ola has partnered with German carmaker BMW to strengthen its luxury mobility segment, the app-based taxi aggregator said on Monday.

The tie-up will allow Ola cab operators to avail cheaper credit to buy BMW cars, receive after-sales support and guaranteed buyback, Ola said in a statement.

BMW-certified instructors will also train drivers about auto safety systems and technology, the statement said.

The agreement follows Ola's partnership, announced last month, with India's top SUV maker, Mahindra & Mahindra .

BMW joins the ranks of other global automakers such as Volkswagen, Toyota Motor Corp and General Motors, which have all signed tie-ups with ride-sharing companies to guard against a shift in consumer choice away from vehicle ownership.

REUTERS