Uber, the global taxi-hailing service company, has struck a strategic vehicle maintenance deal with Germaine Auto Centre – a Nigerian-based auto service and maintenance company. Under the deal, Uber driver-partners operating in Lagos can have their cars maintained and serviced at a world-class auto facility provided by Germaine Auto Centre for a stipulated sum.
The deal, which seeks to further reinforce Uber’s commitment to driver-partners, and create ways for drivers to maximise their net earnings and enjoy the benefits that come with using the Uber app, was announced at a media briefing in Lagos last week.
Commenting on the deal, Uber Country Manager for Nigeria, Maria Rotilu, said: “Driver-partners across Nigeria are extremely important to us, and we are constantly looking for ways to help them access more value through our many partnerships and further amplify the advantages that come to them from being valuable partners. Germaine Auto Centre is a market leader, and for as little as N3,000, they will provide vehicle maintenance services to Uber driver-partners in Lagos. With the current transportation and weather challenges being experienced due to the rainy season, we are happy to enter into this relationship with Germaine who will provide driver-partners with an affordable, reliable option of car servicing and maintenance.”
Managing Director, Germaine Auto Centre, Gbenga Omolokun; said: “At Germaine Auto Centre, our key focus is customer affordability and service efficiency. Under this strategic relationship with Uber, we will provide driver-partners with immediate access to six Master Technicians, over 40 general technicians, affordable parts and vehicle solutions, and an added bonus of over 200 years working experience combined on all sorts of automobiles,” adding “Dedicated resources have also been put in place to manage this process to ensure driver-partner satisfaction as well as quick turnaround.”
The vehicle maintenance package, which Uber driver-partners in Nigeria have access to, has gone live after a rigorous two-month, successful pilot.
Responding to the development, an excited Uber driver-partner, Toba, said: “I was extremely happy when I heard about this new arrangement between Uber and Germaine Auto Centre – vehicle maintenance was one of the issues driver-partners had raised during the focus groups, and I’m glad that Uber listened to us and created a useful partnership like this. I visited the Germaine Auto Centre in Lekki to have my vehicle serviced, and I’m glad to say that the whole experience was extremely professional and affordable.”