Uber Cuts 3,300 Jobs, Orders Remaining 29,000 Staff Back to Office Under Strict Hybrid Policy

Uber’s layoff memo not only cut about 3,300 jobs but also announced a major shift in workplace policy: nearly all of the remaining 29,000 employees must relocate to offices, with fully remote roles capped at just 1% of the workforce. The company is enforcing a strict three‑day‑a‑week hybrid model and tying team locations to designated hubs.

Key Takeaways from Uber’s Memo

• Layoffs: About 10% of corporate staff (≈3,300 employees) were cut, mainly in management and coordination roles.
• Remote work cap: Only ~1% of employees will remain fully remote, a sharp reduction from pandemic-era flexibility.
• Hybrid policy: All employees must work at least three days per week in the office, with attendance tracked.
• Relocation requirement: Remote staff are asked to move near designated offices; the memo frames this as “jobs now come with a postcode.”
• Hub strategy:
  • Global teams → New York & San Francisco
  • Regional teams → Regional hubs
  • Local teams → Country hubs
  • Engineering → Tech hubs

Why Uber Is Making This Change

• Collaboration focus: CEO Dara Khosrowshahi emphasized that “sitting together and solving problems in person works better” than remote alternatives.
• Simplification: The restructuring reduces management layers and “micro-teams” to streamline decision-making.
• Location clarity: By concentrating teams in hubs, Uber aims to reduce overlap and improve accountability.

Impact on Employees

• Relocation stress: Staff in smaller offices face uncertainty about both job security and whether they must move cities.
• Early-career employees: Specifically singled out as needing in-person mentorship, discouraging isolated remote work.
• Compliance enforcement: Unlike many companies with flexible hybrid policies, Uber will actively monitor attendance.

Risks & Trade-offs

• Employee morale: Forced relocations may lead to attrition, especially among workers who value flexibility.
• Talent pool shrinkage: Limiting remote roles could reduce Uber’s ability to hire globally.
• Operational clarity vs. disruption: While the hub model simplifies coordination, it disrupts employees’ personal lives and may increase costs.

Policy Shift Comparison

Policy	Before Memo	After Memo
Remote work	Flexible, many roles remote	Capped at 1%
Hybrid work	3 days/week (loosely enforced)	3 days/week (strictly enforced)
Team location	Dispersed globally	Concentrated in hubs
Management	Multiple layers, micro-teams	Reduced layers, broader scopes

Uber and JSW Group Partner to Co‑Develop EVs for India’s Ride‑Hailing Market

Uber, India’s leading ridesharing app, today announced a partnership with the JSW Group for joint co-development and deployment of electric vehicles (EVs), tailored for the Indian ride hailing market, with the shared goal of supporting and scaling EV adoption for mobility services in the country in alignment with India’s net-zero goals.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Parth Jindal of JSW Group and Dara Khosrowshahi, Uber CEO, at the JSW headquarters in Mumbai last week.

Uber continues to expand access to electric mobility in India as part of its broader commitment to building a more sustainable future for urban transportation. Through partnerships with automakers, fleet operators, and ecosystem players, Uber aims to increase the availability and adoption of EVs across multiple categories on its platform.

As part of the (MoU) signed between Uber and JSW Green Mobility – a wholly-owned company of JSW Group - the two companies will deploy EV solutions that align with the price and performance expectations of the Indian market. The partnership will focus on exploring opportunities to develop and scale localised EV solutions suited for use on the Uber platform in various categories, in line with the evolving needs of India’s mobility ecosystem.

Speaking on the partnership, Parth Jindal of JSW Group, said, “We are excited to collaborate with Uber to explore scalable EV mobility solutions aligned with national net-zero goals for India. By combining Uber’s platform scale and mobility insights with JSW’s growing automotive and clean mobility ambitions, we hope to contribute meaningfully to India’s EV ecosystem.”

Prabhjeet Singh, President, Uber India and South Asia, said, “India’s transition to electric mobility requires strong ecosystem partnerships across technology platforms, automakers, fleet operators, and infrastructure players. Through this collaboration with JSW Group, we aim to help accelerate the adoption of EVs on the Uber platform by exploring solutions purpose-built for the needs of Indian riders and drivers. This partnership also reflects our continued commitment to supporting the Government of India’s vision of advancing green and sustainable mobility at scale.”

Uber, Adani to Launch India Data Hub for Global Tech Expansion

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi has confirmed that Uber will set up its first India data centre in partnership with the Adani Group, located in Ahmedabad, and operational later this year.

Key Highlights of the Announcement

• Partnership: Uber is collaborating with the Adani Group to establish the facility.
• Location: The data centre will be in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
• Timeline: Expected to be ready later in 2026.
• Purpose: To test and deploy Uber’s technology at scale, supporting global operations “from India, for the world.”
• Strategic Context: India is one of Uber’s fastest-growing markets, with Bengaluru already serving as a major global tech hub.

Why This Matters

• For Uber: Strengthens engineering and AI infrastructure, supports real-time mobility platforms, predictive demand engines, fraud detection, and analytics.
• For Adani Group: Adds another layer to its AI-linked infrastructure strategy, complementing renewable-powered data centre plans and partnerships with Google and AdaniConneX.

This Uber-Adani partnership adds momentum to India’s positioning as a global hub for AI, cloud, and hyperscale infrastructure. 

Broader Industry Context

• Reliance Digital Connexion (JV with Brookfield & Digital Realty)
• NTT Global Data Centers
• STT GDC India
• CtrlS, Sify, Nxtra (Airtel), Yotta, Equinix

Risks & Considerations

• Energy Dependence: Adani’s renewable-powered promise will be tested against India’s grid reliability.
• Regulatory Oversight: Compliance with India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act (DPDPA).
• Competition: Reliance, Google, and others scaling aggressively may create pricing pressures.

Quick Comparison: Uber vs Other Global Entrants

Company	Partner	Location	Capacity/Focus
Uber	Adani Group	Ahmedabad	Tech deployment, AI-ready
Google	AdaniConneX	Visakhapatnam	$15B AI hub, gigawatt scale
Reliance	Brookfield, Digital Realty	Andhra Pradesh	₹1.6 lakh crore, 1.5 GW cluster
NTT	Independent	Multiple cities	Hyperscale cloud, enterprise clients

Uber Riders Can Now Earn Flipkart SuperCoins on Every Eligible Ride

Flipkart, India’s homegrown e-commerce marketplace, today announced a partnership with Uber, one of India’s leading mobility platforms, that allows users to earn SuperCoins on every eligible Uber ride. This initiative advances SuperCoins into a lifestyle loyalty program, allowing users to earn on their daily commute while furthering Flipkart’s vision of building a rewards program akin to India’s loyalty ecosystem; for Uber it adds incremental value to everyday mobility.

• Flipkart users can earn 4% SuperCoins on eligible Uber rides
• Combining Flipkart and Uber’s nationwide reach, this unified rewards ecosystem democratizes value for all Indian consumers
• Rewards can be used across Flipkart, Cleartrip and partners
• Expands SuperCoins into everyday use cases beyond shopping

By linking their Flipkart and Uber accounts, users can earn 4% of their fare as SuperCoins on every eligible ride, up to 150 coins per trip, with no cap on total earnings. These SuperCoins are credited directly to the user’s Flipkart account and can be redeemed across the Flipkart ecosystem, including Flipkart Minutes, Cleartrip and partner offerings.

This collaboration features limited-time incentives wherein new Uber users, or those who haven’t utilized the app in the last 84 days, can earn 150 bonus SuperCoins by completing their first ride within 28 days of linking accounts. Additionally, users who link their Flipkart and Uber accounts between April 15 and April 30, 2026, and complete their first ride within 28 days, can earn an additional 50 bonus SuperCoins.

Commenting on the partnership, Gaurav Arora, Vice President, Payments and SuperCoins at Flipkart, said, “SuperCoins is evolving into a broader rewards layer across everyday use cases. Mobility is a natural extension, and this partnership with Uber allows us to integrate more seamlessly into how customers transact daily. Over time, we will continue expanding SuperCoins across categories to drive deeper engagement across the ecosystem.”

Arnab Kumar, Director Business Development, Uber India and South Asia, said, “At Uber, we are focused on making everyday mobility more seamless and valuable for our users. This integration with Flipkart allows us to extend additional benefits to riders in a simple and intuitive way, while building on how users engage with everyday services across platforms."

This partnership brings together two high-frequency consumer platforms, extending rewards into everyday use cases like mobility. It reflects a broader shift towards integrating value more seamlessly into how users engage across categories.

About the Flipkart Group

The Flipkart Group is one of India’s leading digital commerce entities with a strong technology-first foundation and includes group companies Flipkart, Myntra, Flipkart Wholesale, Cleartrip, and super.money. Established in 2007, Flipkart has enabled millions of sellers, merchants, and small businesses to participate in India's digital commerce revolution. With a registered user base of more than 500 million, Flipkart’s marketplace offers over 150 million products across 80+ categories. Today, there are over 1.4 million sellers on the platform, including Shopsy sellers. With a focus on empowering and delighting every Indian by delivering value through technology and innovation, Flipkart has pioneered services such as Cash on Delivery, No Cost EMI, Easy Returns, and UPI payments. Beyond shopping, Flipkart continues to create jobs, empower entrepreneurs, and strengthen India’s digital economy.

About Uber

Uber came to India in 2013 with a simple promise: press a button, get a ride. Over a decade later, Uber is live in more than 125 cities and has become #IndiaKiRide - helping millions move the way they need to, every day. From Bikes and Autos to Cars, Metros, and even Buses, Uber brings together India’s diverse mobility options on a single app. Whether it’s a short trip across town or a journey between cities, with a single swipe Uber makes everyday mobility seamless for millions - while enabling more than 1.5 million Indians to earn a sustainable income behind the wheel. As we continue to reimagine how the world moves for the better, our ambition keeps expanding, and our commitment remains unwavering: to keep India moving forward.

Uber App Adds Intercity Bus Booking with AbhiBus’s 6 Lakh+ Routes

From Left to Right: Rohit Sharma, COO, AbhiBus; Lenin Koduru, CEO, AbhiBus; Praveen Neppalli Naga, Chief Technology Officer, Uber; Manikandan Thangarathnam, Senior Director (Mobility & Platforms), Uber India

AbhiBus (ixigo’s bus business), one of India’s leading online bus ticketing platforms, has partnered with Uber to power intercity bus ticket bookings within the Uber app.

Uber users across India can now book intercity bus tickets directly within the app, leveraging AbhiBus’s robust inventory and booking technology. Through this partnership, users gain access to AbhiBus’s extensive network of over 6 lakh routes operated by over 6,200 bus operators nationwide.

To book, users can navigate to the Home or Services section on the Uber app and select the “Intercity” option. After entering their origin, destination and travel date, they can browse available bus services, choose preferred seats and complete their booking smoothly within the app using integrated payment options.

Powered by AbhiBus’s end-to-end booking technology and deep operator integrations, Uber users can discover and compare bus options, check real-time seat availability and select preferred seats directly within the app. They can also filter by bus types such as AC, Sleeper, Seater, Volvo and Scania, view 360° bus photos on select routes, track live bus status, opt for Abhi Assured with defined compensation benefits in case of service disruptions, and access 24×7 customer support. The partnership expands Uber’s mobility ecosystem beyond intra-city rides by integrating bus travel into a single app, enabling users to plan both short-distance and intercity journeys seamlessly.

Speaking on this, Rohit Sharma, COO, AbhiBus, said, "This partnership with Uber represents a significant milestone for intercity travel in India. By integrating AbhiBus's deep operator network and booking technology into the Uber app, we are bringing over 6 lakh routes directly to millions of users - making bus travel discovery as seamless as booking a cab. With Uber's reach and AbhiBus's deep expertise in powering seamless bus travel experiences, we are setting a new benchmark for how India books its intercity journeys."

Praveen Neppalli Naga, Chief Technology Officer, Uber, added, “We are excited to partner with AbhiBus and bring intercity bus travel into the Uber app. At Uber, our mission is to make movement seamless for everyone and integrating AbhiBus's extensive bus network directly into our platform is a natural extension of that vision. AbhiBus brings unmatched depth in bus inventory and operator integrations, and together we are unlocking a new dimension of mobility for millions of Indians.”

With this partnership, AbhiBus further strengthens its footprint in powering intercity bus travel across diverse platforms, making seamless and reliable bus booking more accessible to millions of travellers.

About AbhiBus

AbhiBus is a leading online bus-ticketing platform that aggregates ticket inventory from over 6,200 bus operators - including major State Road Transport Corporations (SRTCs), covering more than 6.5 lakh (650,000+) routes across India. The AbhiBus website and apps allow users to check amenities provided by bus operators, compare booking fares, check bus timings in the searched route, live tracking of the bus before arrival, cancellation protection options and other facilities. It is the official ticketing partner for several state road transport corporation bus tickets and IRCTC bus bookings.

AbhiBus is owned and operated by ixigo (Le Travenues Technology Limited), India’s leading OTA for the Next Billion Users. With over 54 crore Annual Active Users in FY25, ixigo offers AI-powered train, flight, bus, and hotel bookings through its platforms - ixigo, ConfirmTkt, and AbhiBus.

How India Ubered in 2025: 11.6 Billion km, Kochi Tops Rider Ratings

At the outset of the new year, Uber India has released highlights from its annual data report, How India Ubered, outlining key trends from how Indians travelled during 2025.

The comprehensive data analysis reveals interesting insights, including cities with the highest Uber usage, total distance covered by Uber rides, intercity travel trends, late-night travel patterns, and evolving rider preferences across the country. The report underscores the growing role of ridesharing in India’s mobility ecosystem and Uber’s continued commitment to making everyday movement more reliable, accessible, and sustainable.

In 2025, Indians Ubered more than ever before, building on last year’s momentum and setting fresh benchmarks for mobility. Collectively, Uber trips spanned over 11.6 billion kilometers during the year, marking a 26.5 percent increase compared to 2024. To put this into perspective, that’s over 3.2 million trips from Srinagar to Kanyakumari in the year, or 8,840 times every single day.

Riders across India continued to be rated highly by drivers, reflecting courteous and dependable rider behaviour nationwide. Kochi once again stood out, recording the highest average rider rating at 4.91 out of 5. An impressive 98.3 percent of trips in Kochi were rated a full five stars by drivers. Thiruvananthapuram followed closely with an average rating of 4.87, while Pune and Chandigarh also featured among cities with the most highly rated riders.

Key Insights from How India Ubered in 2025:

• Most Uber trips were booked at 6:00 PM
• Friday continued to be the most popular day of the week for booking an Uber
• November emerged as the most popular month of the year
• December 12, 2025 saw the highest number of trips booked on a single day
• For Uber Rentals, the most popular package booked was 2 hours
• Mumbai, followed by Kolkata saw the highest proportion of late-night trips
• Mumbai, Guwahati, and Chennai led in weekend travel as a share of total trips
• Bhubaneswar and Thiruvananthapuram recorded the highest share of office-hour trips
• Agra, Mysore, Puri, and Lonavala emerged as the most frequented tourist destinations via Uber Intercity

India’s Uber 5

• Delhi NCR
• Hyderabad
• Bangalore
• Mumbai
• Pune

Fastest Cities in India (Avg speed)

1. Bhubaneswar
2. Thiruvananthapuram
3. Jaipur
4. Ahmedabad
5. Chandigarh

India’s Top Intercity Routes

1. Mumbai - Pune
2. Delhi - Agra
3. Bangalore - Mysore
4. Lucknow - Kanpur
5. Ahmedabad - Vadodara

Top 5 Longest Trips

1. Gurgaon - Ahmedabad - Gurgaon (1,827 km)
2. Delhi - Ahmedabad - Delhi (1,647 km)
3. Kharagpur - Pune (1,620 km)
4. Delhi - Srinagar - Delhi (1,616 km)
5. Delhi - Prayagraj - Delhi (1,611 km)

Rider Ratings (Citywise)

City	Average Rider Rating
Kochi	4.906
Thiruvananthapuram	4.871
Pune	4.832
Chandigarh	4.821
Ahmedabad	4.815
Bangalore	4.808
Hyderabad	4.795
Jaipur	4.791
Chennai	4.765
National average	4.76
Lucknow	4.738
Delhi NCR	4.729
Mumbai	4.703
Bhubaneswar	4.647
Kolkata	4.644
Guwahati	4.616

Uber Pet also continued to delight riders, with pets travelling close to 800,000 kilometers in Ubers during the year.

About Uber

Uber came to India in 2013 with a simple promise: press a button, get a ride. More than 10 years and over

Uber and AB InBev India Join Forces to Promote Responsible Festive Mobility

Uber and AB InBev India today announced the launch of Your Night, Our Ride, a joint initiative encouraging people to celebrate responsibly this festive season. Running from October 16 to November 10, the campaign will reward those who make responsible mobility choices. This collaboration marks a joint commitment by both companies to make celebrations safer and more convenient, while shaping a culture of moderation and responsibility.

The program will run across 100 of the most popular pubs, bars and restaurants in Bengaluru, New Delhi, Gurugram, and Noida including, One8 Commune, Paul, Chili’s, Cafe Delhi Heights, 1522, and more. Customers who take an Uber to these partner venues can enjoy exclusive discounts on a range of beverages, while those heading back home can avail discounted Uber rides from participating outlets.

Speaking about the initiative, Shiva Shailendran, Director - Consumer Growth, Uber India and South Asia, “Through this campaign, we want to make choosing a safe ride home both rewarding and responsible. The festive season is a time for people to unwind and celebrate, and we want to ensure they can do that without worrying about how to get home safely. By joining hands with AB InBev, we’re making it easier for people to enjoy their evenings, act responsibly, and help keep the roads safer for everyone.”

Commenting on this initiative, Anasuya Ray, Vice President - Corporate Affairs, AB InBev India said "Festive moments are best enjoyed when they’re safe and memorable. We believe celebrations are rooted in responsible choices and this partnership with Uber brings that belief to life by offering patrons safer mobility options during the festive season. This initiative is an extension of our global campaign ‘Cheers to Moderation’ which celebrates smarter choices and responsible behaviours."

In the lead-up to the campaign, Uber commissioned a consumer survey to understand how India’s urban population views responsible social behaviours and safe mobility choices. The survey suggests that a vast majority of respondents recognise the importance of making safer travel decisions during social occasions, with 92% describing impaired driving as “very risky” or “extremely risky.”

Uber Partners with Indian Railways for First-Ever Station Integrations at Ahmedabad and Howrah

Uber, India’s leading ride-hailing platform, today announced its partnership with Indian Railways at Ahmedabad Railways Station and Howrah Railway Station, marking the first-ever railway station integrations by a ride-haling platform in India.

This collaboration aims to improve passenger connectivity at major transportation hubs, and marks a significant step in Uber’s ongoing commitment to improving multimodal mobility and simplifying how people get to and from the railway stations.

Ranked as the 7th largest station in India, Ahmedabad Railway Station currently serves over 1.2 lakh passengers daily, with capacity projected to grow to over 3 lakh passengers per day by 2053. Howrah Railway Station, India's largest and a vital entry point to Eastern India, serves over 10 lakh passengers daily, making it one of the country's busiest transportation hubs. These collaborations mark Uber’s first-ever assisted operations at railway stations in India, setting a new benchmark for integrated urban mobility.

Shiva Shailendran, Director of Consumer Growth & Categories at Uber India and South Asia, commented on the partnership, “Our exclusive collaboration with Indian Railways at Ahmedabad and Howrah Railway Stations is a step forward in strengthening urban mobility infrastructure and ensuring reliable connectivity for millions of travellers. By integrating Uber’s technology with key public transport hubs, we are working towards building a seamless, multimodal transportation ecosystem that simplifies how people move across cities.”

To enhance passenger experience, Uber operates from dedicated parking areas connected directly to station infrastructure, ensuring smooth access for riders and drivers alike. In Ahmedabad, Uber has a dedicated parking area on an elevated section linked to the station’s main foot-over bridge, while in Howrah, Uber has established designated kiosks to manage the high volume of railway passenger traffic. Both locations feature on-ground teams and rider support to assist throughout the journey.

With these partnerships, Uber drivers in both these cities will benefit from increased trip opportunities at the stations, enhancing their overall earning potential. By combining well-planned infrastructure with real-time assistance, Uber aims to offer a convenient, stress-free, and reliable mobility experience for travellers.

Uber India Pilots In-App Digital Tasks for Drivers, Expanding Income Streams Beyond Rides

Uber has introduced a new pilot program in India that allows its driver partners to earn money by completing digital tasks directly within the Uber app. Piloted across 12 cities, including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad, as well as smaller markets like Pune, Jaipur, Bhopal, and Vizag, the initiative aims to expand drivers’ earning options beyond ridesharing.

Drivers can now earn extra by completing micro tasks on the Uber app, like tagging objects in photos, for the company’s data-labelling platform, Uber AI Solutions, in addition to tasks like classifying short text, counting objects, and digitizing receipts, all key components of building artificial intelligence models.

Until now, such work was usually outsourced to independent contractors outside the Uber ecosystem. By bringing it into the driver app, Uber is offering drivers an additional stream of income, especially during downtimes when ride demand is low.

“This pilot is about giving drivers more choice, flexibility, and ways to earn,” said Megha Yethadka, Global Head, Uber AI Solutions. “Drivers can face downtime at certain times of the day, and digital tasks offer a way to make that time productive. Early engagement has been strong, with many thousands of tasks already completed.”

Uber AI Solutions works with global companies to deliver services like data labelling, localisation, and product testing which are the building blocks of high-performing AI systems. If successful, the India pilot may become a template for similar initiatives worldwide, giving Uber’s vast network of drivers and delivery partners a role in the fast-growing AI economy.

Uber India Ties Up With Refex Green Mobility to Deploy 1,000 Electric Vehicles by 2026

Uber today announced a strategic partnership with Refex Green Mobility to deploy 1,000 electric vehicles (EVs) across key cities in India by 2026, furthering its efforts to boost electric vehicles on its platform.

This collaboration aligns with Uber’s global objective of providing 100% emission-free rides by 2040 and reinforces the ride-hailing platform’s ongoing efforts to promote clean energy solutions. The new fleet of 1,000 EVs will be available on Uber to cater to the growing preference for sustainable mobility choices in cities.

Refex Green Mobility Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Chennai-headquartered Refex Industries Limited and it operates under the brand Refex eVeelz. The deployment will see electric four-wheelers onboarded onto the Uber platform across Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, and Mumbai, marking a significant milestone in Uber’s efforts to electrify urban mobility.

Commenting on the partnership, Aditya Kapoor, Head, Supply and Electrification, Uber India and South Asia, said, “Uber is committed to accelerating the shift to zero-emission mobility in India, and this partnership with Refex eVeelz is a significant step in that direction. It strengthens our efforts to electrify urban transportation, bringing more electric ride options to riders across many new cities in India. We remain focused on removing barriers to EV adoption and driving the transition to a greener future through partnerships that will build a sustainable future for all.”

Sachin Navtosh Jha, Chief of Staff, Refex Group, said, "As a company committed to driving the transition towards sustainable mobility, we are proud to partner with Uber to deliver electric solutions to more cities in India. This collaboration, in addition to our currently existing B2B as well as B2C operations with nearly 1,300 company-owned 4-wheeler EVs will help us contribute to reducing urban carbon emissions and will also play a key role in achieving India’s broader sustainability goals."

As part of its broader electrification push, Uber rolled out Uber Green across Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore and Kolkata. Uber Green allows passengers to request an all-electric, zero tail-pipe emissions vehicle, providing an on-demand EV experience with a few taps on the app. Uber Green is already the most widely available on-demand mobility solution for no or low-emission rides globally, available in over 100 cities across 15 countries.

With this partnership, Uber and Refex eVeelz are making significant strides in expanding the availability of electric mobility options in India, paving the way for a greener and electric urban transportation ecosystem.

Uber came to India in 2013 with a simple promise: press a button, get a ride. 10 years and over 3 billion trips later, we continue to build products to help people get where they need to be. Today, Uber is available across 125 cities in India and has become #IndiaKiRide where people can go where they have to on Moto, Auto, Cars and even Buses - designed for their various intracity and intercity travel needs. With just a swipe on the app we make mobility seamless for millions and support over 1 million Indians make a sustainable income by getting in the driver's seat. We continue to reimagine the way the world moves for the better in ever-expanding ways and as we mark our ten-year milestone - we remain committed to keep India Moving Forward.

About Refex Green Mobility Limited

Refex Group is one of India’s leading business organizations that started as a refrigerant gas refilling and bottling company in 2002, and has now been operating for over two decades expanding into several business verticals such as logistics (ash and coal handling, green mobility), renewables (solar, wind energy, and compressed biogas), healthcare (medical technologies pertaining to imaging devices' manufacturing, and pharmaceuticals), airports retail, among other such business verticals.

At present, there are 2 listed entities under the group - Refex Industries Limited (RIL) and Refex Renewables Infrastructure Limited (RRIL). It has been a 22-year journey of learning, serving stakeholders, building resilience, and agility that Refex has traversed where it has aimed for excellence.

Uber Partners Startup India and Nasscom AI To Launch ‘Uber Sustainovate’ Startup Challenge

Uber’s push for innovation in sustainable mobility, rolls out ‘Uber Sustainovate’ Startup challenge

• Partners with Start-Up India and nasscom AI to enable innovators
• Calls for entries from startups to create innovative solutions
• Winning team to be awarded a grant of $120,000 (~ Rs 1 crore)

Uber today announced 'Uber Sustainovate’, a Startup Challenge looking for innovative solutions to fast track the adoption of sustainable mobility in India. The competition, in partnership with Startup India and nasscom AI, is designed to award startups that produce the best workable ideas that would help accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility in the country. The winning startup would be awarded a grant of $120,000 (approximately Rs 1 crore), and the top 3 entries would be awarded mentorship sessions with the tech leadership of Uber in India in order to help them sharpen their skills and competencies.

As the leading ridesharing company, Uber is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 and has been continuously working to reduce tailpipe emissions. With the aim to promote an ecosystem where startups are incentivised to work on emergence of sustainable solutions, Uber Sustainovate will provide a platform for visionary startups that are eager to turn their ambition to action.

Commenting on the startup challenge, Manikandan Thangarathnam, Senior Director of Engineering, and Site Lead for Bangalore, Uber said, “We have always believed that the energy transition in the mobility sector can only succeed if industry and technology work together. Startups can be the source of new and path-breaking solutions given the tech talent density that exists in India. Uber Sustainovate is our way to ignite these possibilities as we work together towards building sustainable mobility solutions for India and from India.”

Participating startups would have the option to choose from one of the following four tracks to focus their ideas on:

• Smart infrastructure and charging solutions
• Easy discovery of charging infra - better interoperability
• Making the economics more viable for drivers/commercial fleet owners
• Improving asset utilisation

The startup challenge is open for entries up to 18th October 2023. Registration will be followed by multiple rounds of shortlisting, based on overarching ideas, proof of concept, working prototypes, and overall alignment with Uber’s sustainability mission and values. The winner will be announced in January 2024, after a final jury round.

Startups passionate about driving change in the mobility sector are encouraged to register online through this link. Detailed guidelines and submission requirements will be provided to facilitate seamless participation.

Uber Inks MoU with Indian Navy To Offer Official Travel and Commute of Naval Officers, Staff, and Families

CNS Admiral R Hari Kumar with Abhinav Mittoo, Country GM, Uber

Uber, India’s leading ridesharing app has partnered with the Indian Navy to become its exclusive mobility partner to offer transportation solutions for official travel and commute of naval officers, staff, and families across the country. This partnership will deliver reliable, convenient, and safe mobility solutions to the esteemed Indian Navy officers, staff and their families.

Through this partnership, the Indian Navy will seamlessly integrate Uber’s advanced ride-sharing technology via a seamless platform - Uber for Business into the Naval ecosystem. The partnership will help streamline the travel experiences of the Naval workforce, making their travel smoother and the process more efficient. As part of this collaboration, Uber aims to drive effective change management for both official travel and commute and also bring curated enterprise benefits for the Indian Navy.

Speaking at the MoU signing, Abhinav Mittoo, Sr. Country Manager, Uber for Business, Uber India, South Asia & Egypt said, “We are proud to partner with the Indian Navy that has truly embraced digitalization. This partnership signals an important stride towards digitalization as we embrace shared mobility options. Through this MoU, we aim to contribute to the Indian Navy’s larger vision of embracing technology for transformative change.”

Commodore Neeraj Malhotra with Abhinav Mittoo, Country GM, Uber for Business

CNS Admiral, R Hari Kumar, Indian Navy said, “This partnership originated from a need to find a solution and help officers and their families for their travel requirements, and avail the benefit from the IT revolution and digitization in the country. Uber has revolutionized travel and stands for comfort, reach, and reliability today. This MoU holds great promise and represents a significant milestone in our sustained efforts towards ensuring 'Happy Personnel.' This is a crucial element of the SHIPS FIRST approach, adopted by the Navy, keeping the needs of our operational platforms first - every time and everywhere. In that regard, I am glad to note that the MoU covers not only the men and women in whites but also their dependents. I am also told that the dedicated account for Indian Naval personnel would have additional benefits such as zero cancellation fees, special vehicle category, and premium customer support, amongst many others. We will look to further extend this association to our veterans and sister services and believe that Uber’s large pool of green vehicles will reduce carbon footprint and make travel seamless.”

This collaboration between Uber and the Indian Navy highlights the power of Uber for Business in delivering unique transformative solutions tailored to enterprise needs. Uber’s proven success story in the US, where it partnered with the federal government to offer transportation services, reinforces its expertise in seamlessly integrating rideshare services into daily operations.

About Uber for Business

Uber for Business brings the best of Uber’s innovations and solutions to organizations around the globe with a seamless platform built to help them better support and engage those they employ and serve. With global scale, integrated solutions and exceptional service, Uber for Business empowers organizations to effortlessly streamline business travel, reimagine employee wellbeing, and elevate the customer experience – all while enabling employees to effortlessly leverage the Uber they love and trust in their professional lives. Since launching in 2014, Uber for Business has scaled to 70+ countries and 10,000 cities, and helped 170,000 organizations bring flexibility and efficiency into their operations while improving employee wellbeing. For more, visit our website.

Uber’s India Tech Team Boosts Platform Safety, Clocks in More Trips and Orders

New feature helps add 3.5 million trips and orders in 2023

Uber today said its India-based Risk Product and Engineering team has enhanced its state-of-the-art framework to verify genuine users on the Uber platform without compromising on their app experience.

The primary goal of the framework is to enhance platform security by proactively identifying and stopping potentially malicious activity, all while ensuring that genuine users are not inconvenienced. Oftentimes, genuine users find themselves unintentionally blocked by these security measures, even though the intention is to make the platform safer for them.

The ‘challenge framework’, based on a rule engine, helps identify users with malicious intent swiftly, thereby increasing security on the platform for millions of people transacting on it by the day. The challenges are self-resolvable verification processes taken while a user tries to transact on the platform - book a trip or place an order. Through these simple challenges, Uber has been able to keep fraudulent activities at bay while letting genuine users have a seamless trip or order experience.

The intervention resulted in an incremental 3.5 million trips and orders within 2023, by allowing over 600,000 riders, eaters and merchants to get their accounts unblocked through simple challenges.

Keeping challenges easy, in the form of card scans, address verification, verifying CVV codes, makes sure genuine users don’t get impacted by harsher actions such as account bans even as malicious booking attempts are blocked. Additionally, this team also enriched the framework to present contextual information to users along with challenges and other self-resolvable options enabling them to proceed with their trip or order. To strengthen this framework further, the team also built feedback loops as a way to continuously learn and improve from these user interactions.

Commenting on the framework, Deepak Kumar, Head of Risk Engineering, Uber India, said, “Our intent is to find the perfect balance between making the platform safer and improving the trip or order experience for all our genuine users across the world, by making the app easier to use. The latest upgrades to the engine made by the India teams do exactly that, and are a fine example of the immense tech talent housed here.”

In order to roll out these challenges across geographies, Uber ran an A/B testing exercise to replace harsher actions (example: denying a trip or order) with easy ‘challenges’ to help users verify their payment methods, and continue to use the platform. The aim of this exercise was to reduce the complications for users when it comes to verifying their transactions, and measure the increase in engagement as a result. These experiments resulted in an improved app experience, which translated into a rise in trips/orders for over 50% for the users who were part of the experiment.

This verification feature is now being rolled out to Uber users globally, including riders, eaters, merchants and earners.

The development process was worked on by a team of engineers, data scientists, product and program managers, all based out of India. India houses the two largest tech centers for Uber outside the US, and is responsible for some of the leading global innovations in ridesharing, freight and food delivery. 

Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. We started in 2010 to solve a simple problem: how do you get access to a ride at the touch of a button? More than 10 billion trips later, we're building products to get people closer to where they want to be. By changing how people, food, and things move through cities, Uber is a platform that opens up the world to new possibilities.

Uber Appoints Ex- Coinbase, Prosus Group Director Arnab Kumar as Director of Business Development for India and South Asia

Uber, India’s leading ridesharing app, has announced the appointment of Arnab Kumar as Director of Business Development for India and South Asia.

Arnab joins Uber with over 17 years of experience across technology and financial services sectors. Arnab’s professional journey includes building the India operations for Coinbase and leading India fintech investments and strategic initiatives for Prosus (formerly known as Naspers). Arnab has previously served as Program Director at NITI Aayog where he contributed to the development of emerging technology initiatives including Aarogya Setu, India’s COVID contact tracing app. Arnab has also worked as an investment banker for Deutsche Bank in Singapore and New York. Arnab is an alumnus of Birla Institute of Technology Mesra and Indian School of Business Hyderabad and is a CFA charterholder.

Commenting on the appointment, Prabhjeet Singh, President, Uber India and South Asia, said, “We are delighted to have Arnab join our leadership team to strengthen Uber’s presence and ensure Uber’s ongoing success in India and South Asia. He has a strong track record of working across financial services and technology sectors. During his work at NITI Aayog he delivered impact and change at scale. Under his leadership, our business development team will continue to be a key accelerant for our partnerships and new growth opportunities.”

“I am excited to join Uber, which has transformed the way people move while creating earning opportunities for millions of people in India and across the region. India and South Asia present tremendous growth potential and I look forward to joining forces with the incredibly talented team at Uber and supporting the company’s growth ambitions in this important region.” said Arnab Kumar, Director, Business Development, Uber India and South Asia. 

Arnab’s appointment comes as the company completes a decade of operations in India and is focused on growing sustainable mobility options. With a partnership approach to different stakeholders in the value chain like EV fleets, financiers, EV infrastructure providers and government bodies, Uber has been at the forefront of EV transition in India. Earlier this year, in the largest EV commitment yet between an automaker and a ridesharing platform in India, Tata Motors agreed to supply 25,000 EVs to fleets on the Uber platform.

About Uber

Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. We started in 2010 to solve a simple problem: how do you get access to a ride at the touch of a button? More than 10 billion trips later, we're building products to get people closer to where they want to be. Uber is available across 125 cities in India where people can book a ride on our app across two, three and four-wheel products designed for their intra-city and intercity travel needs. By changing how people, food, and things move through cities, Uber is a platform that opens up the world to new possibilities.

Uber Launches Uber Green, Unveils EV Partnerships To Charge Up Ride Sharing in India

• Company’s global flagship EV product Uber Green arrives in India in June
• Expands partnership with EV fleet partners Lithium, Everest and Moove
• Teams up with Zypp Electric for 10,000 EV two-wheelers in Delhi by 2024
• Partners with SIDBI to unlock 1000 crores in EV financing
• Brings global BP partnership to India through Jio-bp and also ties up with GMR Green Energy for fast charging Uber EVs

Uber, the global ride sharing app, today announced a slew of partnerships to electrify its services in India, teaming up with leading industry players to accelerate the transition to sustainable mobility. As part of the sustainability push, the mobility major announced the rollout of Uber Green in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, starting June 2023. Uber Green allows passengers to request an all-electric, zero tail-pipe emission vehicle rather than a regular fossil-fuelled car, bringing to India an on-demand EV experience with just a few taps on the app. Uber Green is the most widely available on-demand mobility solution in the world for no or low emission rides, present in 100+ cities in 15 countries around the world.

(L-R) — Andrew Macdonald and Prabhjeet Singh

Commenting at the event, Andrew Macdonald, Senior Vice President, Mobility and Business Operations at Uber, said, “India’s huge scale and electrification momentum makes the country a priority for Uber as we seek to meet our commitment to electrify every ride on our platform by 2040. Today, we are taking a major step toward that goal with the launch of Uber Green. We know that our impact goes beyond technology. We are determined to become allies of cities and governments as they seek to combat climate change and pollution through sustainable mobility.”

Alongside the launch of Uber Green, Uber announced a series of new partnerships to sustain the EV momentum:

• Fleet Partner Expansion: Uber is expanding its network of fleet partners to unlock EV growth on its platform. Lithium Urban Technologies, India’s largest B2B fleet service provider, Everest Fleet Private Limited, and Moove, Uber’s global fleet partner, will deploy 25,000 electric vehicles across Uber’s top seven cities helping drivers go electric faster.
• EV Two Wheeler Partnership: Uber is tying up with tech-enabled EV-as-a-service startup Zypp Electric to deploy 10,000 electric two-wheelers by 2024 to boost sustainable mobility in its fast-growing Uber Moto category. Over 1000 Zypp Electric two-wheelers are already deployed on Uber Moto in Delhi.
• EV Financing: Uber and Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) have signed an MoU to support the purchase of cleaner fuel vehicles - EV and CNG. The partnership will help provide affordable loans of approximately Rs 1000 crores, creating an enabling environment to shift from high emission fuel vehicles to no or low tailpipe emission vehicles.
• EV Charging Infrastructure: Uber is forging two significant partnerships in the field of charging infrastructure. It is bringing its global mobility agreement with bp pulse to India in partnership with Jio-bp. This partnership will enable the drivers on Uber platform to get access to their charging networks and also enable new charging infra development. Uber has also signed an MoU with GMR Green energy to create bespoke charging facilities.

Speaking at the launch, Prabhjeet Singh, President, Uber India and South Asia said, “Going all-electric is a challenge that’s bigger than Uber. We can’t do it alone. To be successful, the economic burden of making the transition to EVs should not fall on drivers. With these industry leading partnerships, we are matching commitment with action to help drivers go electric faster and supercharge sustainable transition in India’s ride sharing industry.”

Uber has committed to become a zero-emissions mobility platform by 2030 in Europe and North America, and globally by 2040. On sustainability, Uber has more than tripled the number of electric vehicles on the platform and connected 31 million unique riders with a ride in an electric vehicle in 2022. The Science Based Targets Initiative has also approved Uber’s near and long-term science-based emissions reduction targets, making us one of the first 30 US-based companies to have such targets approved.

Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. We started in 2010 to solve a simple problem: how do you get access to a ride at the touch of a button? More than 10 billion trips later, we're building products to get people closer to where they want to be. Uber is available across 125 cities in India where people can book a ride on our app across two, three and four wheel products designed for their intra city and intercity travel needs. By changing how people, food, and things move through cities, Uber is a platform that opens up the world to new possibilities.

Uber Launches Report on Future of Cities and Shared Mobility

• Leapfrog private car ownership, rethink parking and street design for sustainability
• Shift to sustainable transport options can improve mobility access for everyone
• Public-private collaboration holds the key to smart mobility

Uber today launched a report titled ‘Future of Cities & Shared Mobility in India’ that analyzes transportation trends in Urban India and recommends changes required for a sustainable future. Commissioned by Uber, and compiled by WXY Studio, a New York-based organization specializing in urban design & planning, the report’s findings and recommendations focus on the need to support shared mobility, move people more efficiently and affordably, and curb the country’s growing demand for private car ownership.

The report was presented today in the national capital to Hon'ble Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs, Hardeep Puri, by the Uber India & South Asia - President, Prabhjeet Singh. As per the report, India has an opportunity to leapfrog an era of auto dependency by fast-tracking innovative mobility-as-a-service (MaaS) solutions and rethinking parking policies and street design. This will help create a new paradigm for smart, equitable development in a rapidly urbanized setting and help India improve mobility access without further increasing private vehicles on roads.

Sharing his views, Prabhjeet Singh, President, Uber India & South Asia, said: ”At Uber, we are committed to building a sustainable future and enabling more liveable cities for all. This report outlines the role that ride-sharing platforms like ours can play in reducing traffic congestion and pollution. With smart planning, better first- and last-mile connectivity to an improved public transport system, and a stronger ecosystem encouraging transition to sustainable mobility, India can emerge stronger and compete with any city in the world.”

As per the report findings, increased demand for private car ownership, accelerated by a growing middle class and safety concerns during COVID-19, poses a challenge to India’s sustainable mobility future. This trend can be checked by integrated transport and land use policies. By reimagining Indian roads by reallocating space from cars to non-motorized transport (NMT) and sustainable modes, and limiting free parking, cities can move closer to their sustainability goals. The expansion in access to walking, biking, reliable public transport, on-demand mobility and shared services, can enable governments to curb the growth of personal four-wheeled vehicles and improve personal mobility for all. This shift will also have a positive impact on mobility among Indians who do not own a vehicle. The report also highlights the role of stronger public-private collaboration to sustainable mobility by improving public transport and access to shared mobility.

As per recommendations to policymakers, city planners, and regulators, to improve shared mobility included in the report, the Unified Transport Bodies (UTBs) that exist across cities can be empowered to play the role of multimodal mobility managers that can better integrate shared mobility into existing transportation systems. Further, improving areas around public transport stations by requiring developers to make investments in public spaces and incentivizing the presence of neighborhood amenities in and around stations, will help improve first/last mile connectivity, and make travel safer. City planners should partner with shared mobility companies to connect underserved areas, including newly developed edge cities, and mandate major new developments to create a transport demand management plan to connect with existing networks. Lastly, as India continues to encourage transition to sustainable mobility, government subsidies for EVs should apply to more vehicles and shared fleets, while targeting lower-income households.

This report synthesizes findings from a literature review, surveys and interviews with Indian transportation practitioners and experts, and an analysis of Uber’s Rides data in four case study cities. As per surveys conducted by WXY Studio, transportation experts in India view Uber as playing an important role in the mobility ecosystem in India by improving first- and last-mile connectivity and enabling better coordination with transport operators.

You can read the full report here.

About Uber

Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. We started in 2010 to solve a simple problem: how do you get access to a ride at the touch of a button? More than 10 billion trips later, we're building products to get people closer to where they want to be. Uber is available across 125 cities in India where people can book a ride on our app across two, three and four wheel products designed for their intracity and intercity travel needs. By changing how people, food, and things move through cities, Uber is a platform that opens up the world to new possibilities.

Uber Launches Airport-Friendly Features for Riders and Drivers in India

Uber today announced a slew of new features to make airport travel a breeze for riders as well as drivers ahead of the busy summer travel season. This includes the option to ‘Reserve’ rides up to 90 days in advance. The ridesharing company has been working to create a seamless airport transit experience, and already has dedicated pick-up and parking slots at all major airports in the country.

Here are the new features for riders to navigate their rides better at the airport:

Directions To Pickup

Allowing flyers to better utilise their time at airports, the Uber app now features a step-by-step wayfinding guide, assisting riders on their way from the gate all the way to the Uber pickup zones. The guide includes actual pictures from the airport, guiding passengers to seamlessly make their way to their Uber. The feature is being rolled out across 13 of the busiest airports in the country, catering to a vast majority of flyers.

Additionally, riders at select airports will also see the approximate walking time from their gate to the pickup zone, helping them plan their journey accurately.

Delhi Airport

Delhi Airport

Hyderabad Airport

Hyderabad Airport

Travel Integration to Pre-book Rides

With an aim to help people plan their travel to airports at the tap of a button, Uber has introduced a new feature where riders can opt to sync their travel plans with Uber via email integration. The new feature helps riders pre-book their rides, while being assisted with pre-filled dates and times on their Uber app, corresponding to their flight, saving them the hassle of booking a trip at the last moment.

The new feature is an opt-in, and will require riders to sync their email IDs with their Uber app to be able to access it.

Uber Reserve

Uber Reserve trips will be available to be booked up to 90 days in advance. This extension will allow for better planning when it comes to reserving a ride, including to the airport. This also gives driver partners the added advantage of being able to lock in their potential earnings, and plan their time better.

Uber Reserve rides, while being available for airport drop-offs, can also be booked for regular, planned travel, and are available through a range of options, including Uber Premier, Uber XL, Uber Intercity, and Uber Rentals.

Boosting Driver Support for Airport Trips

For greater transparency and information for driver partners around airport trips, Uber has introduced an update for them too. The Uber driver app will now show the approximate waiting time at the airport before drivers can expect to get a ride, the number of cars in queue, and the number of expected flight arrivals over the next hour. These updates have been introduced with an aim to help drivers plan their airport trips better, and to offer them intel on the expected time for their next ride at the airport.

Uber recently announced a thorough revamp of its app, making it more intuitive, customized to the individual preferences of each rider, offering easy access to all services, consistent experiences, and smooth flows through the booking process. The launch of these new features for airport travel is part of the redesign to make airport experience seamless as travel bounces back globally.

About Uber:

Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. We started in 2010 to solve a simple problem: how do you get access to a ride at the touch of a button? More than 10 billion trips later, we're building products to get people closer to where they want to be. Uber is available across 125 cities in India where people can book a ride on our app across two, three and four wheel products designed for their intracity and intercity travel needs. By changing how people, food, and things move through cities, Uber is a platform that opens up the world to new possibilities.

Tata Motors to Bring 25,000 XPRES–T EVs into Uber 's Premium Category Service

Tata Motors and Uber sign an MOU for XPRES-T EVs

25000 EVs to be inducted into Uber India’s Premium Category service

Tata Motors, India’s leading automobile manufacturer and the pioneer of India’s EV evolution, today signed an MoU with Uber, India’s leading ridesharing app, to bring 25,000 XPRES–T EVs into their premium category service. Aligned towards its goal of a clean and green environment, Tata Motors will be aiding Uber in electrifying their services across Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Ahmedabad. The Company will begin the deliveries of the cars to Uber fleet partners in a phased manner, starting this month.

Speaking at the MoU signing, Mr. Shailesh Chandra, MD, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility said, “In line with our commitment to grow sustainable mobility in the country, we are delighted to partner with Uber, India’s leading ridesharing platform. Offering customers our environmentally friendly EV ride experiences via Uber's Premium Category service, will accelerate the adoption of green and clean personal ride sharing. The XPRES-T EV is a very attractive option both for customers and operators. While enhanced safety, silent and premium in cabin experience provides the customers with a relaxed ride, the fast charging solution, driving comfort and the cost effectiveness of the EV makes it an attractive business proposition for our fleet partners. This partnership will further cement our market position in the fleet segment". 

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Prabhjeet Singh, President, Uber India and South Asia said, “Uber is committed to bringing sustainable, shared mobility to India, and this partnership with Tata Motors is a major milestone on that journey. It represents the largest EV partnership yet between an automaker and a ridesharing platform in India. It will supercharge the transition to zero emissions on the Uber platform as we work towards building a sustainable future. We are committed to doing our part to bring down the barriers to going electric by working with industry partners that are leading the change”

Tata Motors has been revolutionizing the Indian automotive market with its pioneering efforts and is leading the e-mobility wave in India with over 50,000 Tata EVs rolled out from the plant to date in the personal and fleet segment. Furthermore, Uber has committed to 100% of rides taking place in zero-emission vehicles, on public transit, or with micro-mobility by 2040.

In July 2021, Tata Motors launched the ‘XPRES’ brand exclusively for fleet customers, and the XPRES-T EV is the first vehicle under this brand. The new XPRES-T electric sedan comes with 2 range options – 315km and 277km (ARAI certified range under test conditions). It packs a high energy density battery of 26 kWh and 25.5 kWh and be charged from 0- 80% in 59 mins and 110 mins respectively, using fast charging or can also be normally charged from any 15 A plug point, which is easily available and convenient. It comes with zero tail-pipe emission, single speed automatic transmission, dual airbags, and ABS with EBD as standard across variants. The premium interiors with standard automatic climate control and Electric Blue accents across its interior and exterior will give it a differentiated presence from other Tata cars. 

About Tata Motors

Part of the USD 128 billion Tata group, Tata Motors Limited (NYSE: TTM; BSE: 500570 and 570001; NSE: TATAMOTORS and TATAMTRDVR), a USD 37 billion organization, is a leading global automobile manufacturer of cars, utility vehicles, pick-ups, trucks and buses, offering an extensive range of integrated, smart and e-mobility solutions. With ‘Connecting Aspirations’ at the core of its brand promise, Tata Motors is India’s market leader in commercial vehicles and amongst the top three in the passenger vehicles market.

Tata Motors strives to bring new products that fire the imagination of GenNext customers, fueled by state of the art design and R&D centers located in India, UK, US, Italy and South Korea. With a focus on engineering and tech enabled automotive solutions catering to the future of mobility, the company’s innovation efforts are focused to develop pioneering technologies that are sustainable as well as suited to evolving aspirations of the market and the customers. The company is pioneering India’s Electric Vehicle (EV) transition and driving the shift towards sustainable mobility solutions by preparing a tailor-made product strategy, leveraging the synergy between the Group companies and playing an active role liasoning with the Government in developing the policy framework.

With operations in India, the UK, South Korea, Thailand, South Africa and Indonesia, Tata Motors’ vehicles are marketed in Africa,Middle East, South & South East Asia, Australia, South America, Russia and other CIS countries. As of March 31, 2022, Tata Motors’ operations include 86 consolidated subsidiaries, two joint operations, four joint ventures and 10 equity-accounted associates, including their subsidiaries, in respect of which the company exercises significant influence.

About Uber

Uber’s mission is to create opportunity through movement. We started in 2010 to solve a simple problem: how do you get access to a ride at the touch of a button? More than 10 billion trips later, we're building products to get people closer to where they want to be. Uber is available across 125 cities in India where people can book a ride on our app across two, three and four wheel products designed for their intra city and intercity travel needs. By changing how people, food, and things move through cities, Uber is a platform that opens up the world to new possibilities.

NASA and Uber-backed Joby Aviation Testing Electric Air-Taxi Flight

Joby’s all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is pictured at the company's Electric Flight Base, located near Big Sur, California. NASA began flight testing with the aircraft as part of the agency’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) National Campaign, Monday. This test runs through Friday, Sept.10. Credits: Joby Aviation

US-based space agency NASA has began flight testing with cab aggregator Uber -funded electric aircraft company Joby Aviation (Joby). Tagged as a Unicorn company, Joby Aviation is an aerospace transportation company developing electric aircrafts. Uber Technologies, Inc has invested a total of $125 million in Joby.

NASA has began testing Joby’s all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft as part of the space agency’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) National Campaign, announced NASA.

Joby's aircraft has a maximum range of 150 miles on a single charge, can transport a pilot and four passengers at speeds of up to 200 mph.

This testing runs through Friday, Sept.10, at Joby’s Electric Flight Base located in California. This is the first time NASA will test an eVTOL aircraft as part of the campaign.

"In the future, eVTOL aircraft could serve as air taxis for those in cities and surrounding areas around the country, adding another mode of transportation for moving people and goods.", said NASA.

In this round of testing, NASA will collect data from Joby’s eVTOL aircraft, which is intended to serve as a commercial passenger service in the future. Analyzing that data readies the AAM National Campaign to execute the first set of campaign tests, known as NC-1, slated for 2022, with more complex flight scenarios and other industry vehicles.

As the Joby aircraft flies planned test scenarios, the NASA team will collect information about how the vehicle moves, how the vehicle sounds, and how the vehicle communicates with controllers.

The team will deploy the mobile acoustics facility and construct an array of more than 50 microphones to measure the acoustic profile of Joby’s aircraft in different phases of flight.

NASA has also partnered with an another U.S. startup called Elroy Air, which is developing the world's first autonomous drone capable of delivering 300 to 500 pounds (227 Kg) of cargo over a 300-mile (483 Km) range, with no need for airport or electric charging station.

Coming back to Uber connection with Joby, Uber invested $75 million in Joby, in december last year, as part of a broader transaction involving the acquisition of Uber's the aerial ride-hailing division, Uber Elevate, by Joby Aviation and an expanded partnership between the two parent companies.

On August 11, Joby Aviation becomes first U.S.-based eVTOL company listed on public market to begin trading on NYSE.

Uber, Rivian, JetBlue, Cabify, and Boom Supersonic Sign The Climate Pledge

18 companies have now joined The Climate Pledge, a commitment co-founded by Amazon and Global Optimism to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement 10 years early

New signatories are implementing real, science-based, high-impact changes to their businesses, including deploying renewable energy, investing in sustainable buildings, and mobilizing supply chains to reach net-zero carbon by 2040

Today, during Web Summit 2020, Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) and Global Optimism announced that Boom Supersonic, Cabify, JetBlue, Rivian, and Uberhave joined The Climate Pledge, a commitment to be net-zero carbon by 2040—a decade ahead of the Paris Agreement’s goal of 2050. 

Signatories to The Climate Pledge agree to: 

• Measure and report greenhouse gas emissions on a regular basis;
• Implement decarbonization strategies in line with the Paris Agreement through real business changes and innovations, including efficiency improvements, renewable energy, materials reductions, and other carbon-emission elimination strategies;
• Neutralize any remaining emissions with additional, quantifiable, real, permanent, and socially beneficial offsets to achieve net-zero annual carbon emissions by 2040.

“By signing The Climate Pledge, companies around the world are making a bold commitment to help protect our planet from the devastating impacts of climate change,” said Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder and CEO. “The transportation sector plays a critical role in accelerating our carbon reduction goals, and we welcome Boom, Cabify, JetBlue, Rivian, and Uber as they join us on the journey to net-zero carbon by 2040. The 18 companies who have signed The Climate Pledge so far are demonstrating leadership in the vital transition to a low-carbon economy that will help preserve the environment for future generations." 

Boom is redefining commercial flight by bringing supersonic travel back to the skies. Boom’s historic airliner, Overture, is designed to industry-leading standards of speed, safety, and sustainability. In February 2020, the company announced that the test program for its XB-1 demonstrator will be carbon neutral, through the use of sustainable aviation fuels and high-quality, vetted carbon offsetting. Boom has also committed to making Overture a net-zero carbon aircraft in development, testing, and operation, and is a member of several organizations working to accelerate the adoption and supply of sustainable aviation fuels for the airline industry. In achieving its vision of making the world more accessible, Boom views speed and sustainability as compatible goals.

“In building the world’s fastest airliner, Boom is taking an all-encompassing approach to sustainability. Having made sustainability a company priority from day one, we have been able to build best practices of environmental protection into our programs since the beginning,” said Blake Scholl, Boom founder and CEO. “We are thrilled to join The Climate Pledge and to ensure that speed and sustainability are compatible with one another."

Cabify is the first and only urban mobility app in Europe and Latin America to be carbon neutral by offsetting 100% of all the carbon emissions that it generates – from its corporate operations and for every ride booked through the app. Cabify is also closely measuring and reducing emissions for its corporate activity and aiming to electrify its transportation fleet in Spain and Latin America—by 2025 and 2030, respectively—to reduce its carbon emissions. The company is focused on increasing environmental protections and promoting renewable energies by working on large-scale efforts in Chile, Peru and Brazil using solutions like blockchain technology for carbon offsetting.

“Efficient urban mobility is key in the fight against climate change,” said Juan de Antonio, Cabify founder and CEO. “Cabify wants to be part of the solution, and that’s why for the third year in a row we have committed to offsetting the carbon emissions that our riders and operations generate while we continue to support the electrification of the fleets we work with. We’re pleased to join The Climate Pledge to continue to be transparent about our sustainability journey.”

JetBlue is the first airline to join The Climate Pledge, and this reaffirms the company’s commitment to taking measurable steps towards reducing its climate impact. In July 2020, JetBlue became the first and only U.S. airline to achieve carbon neutrality for all domestic flights. It now expects to ramp up to over 7 million metric tons of CO2 emissions offset each year—the annual equivalent of removing more than 1.5 million passenger vehicles from the road. JetBlue views carbon offsetting as a bridge as the airline continues to ramp up lower-carbon technologies, such as sustainable aviation fuels, and build more fuel-efficient aircraft and operations. JetBlue began flying regularly out of San Francisco International Airport in July 2020 using a type of a sustainable aviation fuel, which enables up to an 80 percent reduction in CO2 emissions before being blended with traditional jet fuel.

“Air travel connects people and cultures, and supports a global economy. Our commitment to sustainability has become even more important as we prepare our business for a new climate reality,” said Robin Hayes, JetBlue CEO. “We are proud to join The Climate Pledge and join a community of like-minded organizations dedicated to reaching net zero-carbon by 2040. The climate crisis remains one of the biggest threats facing our industry. Our planet is physically changing, as are the expectations of our customers, crewmembers, and investors. Now is the time to rebuild operations in more sustainable ways, such as adopting sustainable aviation fuel and setting clear strategies to reduce net aviation CO2 emissions."

Rivian is launching a range of adventure-oriented vehicles, as well as delivery vans specifically for Amazon last-mile delivery applications. The company’s launch products, the R1T and R1S, deliver a unique combination of performance, off-road capability and utility. These vehicles use the company’s flexible skateboard platform and will be produced at Rivian’s manufacturing plant in Normal, Ill., with customer deliveries to begin in June 2021.

"Rivian was formed to help build the kind of future our kids and our kids’ kids deserve. Rivian’s commitment to sustainable vehicle production in our consumer products and commercial vans is driven by this core objective,” said RJ Scaringe, Rivian founder and CEO. “Addressing climate change requires individuals and entire industries to come together to create solutions that shift consumer mindsets and inspire other companies to fundamentally change the way they operate. We’re excited to join The Climate Pledge community that will share knowledge, ideas, and best practices on this important mission." 

Uber has committed to become a fully zero-emission platform by 2040, with 100% of rides taking place in zero-emission vehicles, on public transit, or with micromobility options such as bikes and scooters. Uber had previously set a goal to provide 100% of rides in electric vehicles (EVs) by 2030 in U.S., Canadian, and European cities. Uber has also committed to reach net-zero emissions from its corporate operations by 2030. To reach these goals, Uber is expanding Uber Green to make it easier for riders to choose to travel in hybrids or EVs; dedicating $800 million in resources to help hundreds of thousands of drivers transition to EVs by 2025; investing in our multimodal network to provide sustainable alternatives to personal cars; and being transparent and accountable to the public along the way.

“As we announced in September, Uber is taking this moment as an opportunity to drive a green recovery from the pandemic,” said Dara Khosrowshahi, Uber CEO. “We invite every company in the world to join The Climate Pledge and take action to reduce their environmental impact. Together we can more aggressively tackle the urgent challenge of climate change.”

“The Paris Agreement set out a unifying roadmap for all countries and all people to address the climate crisis by taking action,” said Christiana Figueres, the UN’s former climate change chief and Global Optimism’s founding partner. “By joining The Climate Pledge, signatories are not just making a statement of commitment to the future, they also are setting a pathway to significant actions and investments that will create jobs, spur innovation, regenerate the natural environment, and help consumers to buy more sustainable products.”

Race To Zero is a global campaign supported by The Climate Pledge to rally leadership and support from businesses, cities, regions, and investors for a healthy, resilient, zero carbon recovery. Race to Zero is partnering with Web Summit at this year’s virtual conference being held Dec. 2-4 to highlight the importance of companies coming together.

In 2019, Amazon and Global Optimism co-founded The Climate Pledge, a commitment to reach the Paris Agreement 10 years early and be net-zero carbon by 2040. Eighteen organizations have now signed The Climate Pledge: Amazon, Best Buy, Boom, Cabify, Henkel, Infosys, JetBlue, McKinstry, Mercedes-Benz, Oak View Group, Real Betis, Reckitt Benckiser (RB), Rivian, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Signify, Uber, and Verizon. These companies are sending an important signal that there will be rapid growth in demand for products and services that help reduce carbon emissions. For more information visit www.theclimatepledge.com.

 

About Amazon

Amazon is guided by four principles: customer obsession rather than competitor focus, passion for invention, commitment to operational excellence, and long-term thinking. Customer reviews, 1-Click shopping, personalized recommendations, Prime, Fulfillment by Amazon, AWS, Kindle Direct Publishing, Kindle, Fire tablets, Fire TV, Amazon Echo, and Alexa are some of the products and services pioneered by Amazon. For more information, visit www.amazon.com/about.

About Global Optimism

Global Optimism exists to precipitate transformational, sector-wide change. Achieving a zero emissions future is not a far-off challenge. It’s one we must get on track for now. Every scientific assessment shows that to meet the goal of net -zero emissions by 2050, to keep global heating below 1.5 degrees Celsius, we must halve our emissions between 2020 and 2030. Tackling the climate crisis is only possible when everyone, everywhere plays their part. We work with like-minded collectives from all sectors who are willing to invest in the choices required to be on this challenging – and life-affirming – journey. For more information, visit https://globaloptimism.com/.

 

 

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