In a move aimed at bolstering user engagement and traffic on its digital platform, Tata Group is reportedly in talks with Uber Technologies for a potential strategic partnership. The collaboration could involve integrating Uber's services as a prominent feature within Tata Neu, positioning it as a 'super app'. While Tata Digital denies ongoing discussions, Uber has yet to respond to queries.
Tata Neu, a part of Tata Digital, envisions catering to 50% of an average customer's daily, monthly, and annual needs. Despite facing challenges such as stagnant user growth and low customer engagement, a partnership with Uber could help attract daily users to Tata Neu, enhancing its product portfolio.
Uber Technologies CEO Dara Khosrowshahi and Tata Sons Chairman N Chandrasekaran reportedly met earlier this year, with expectations of further discussions during Khosrowshahi's upcoming visit to India. The exact terms of engagement are still being negotiated, and concrete results are not guaranteed.
Uber has diversified its services into areas such as grocery delivery and high-margin advertising, with user numbers growing to 150 million. Following its first full year of operating profit, Uber announced a $7 billion share buyback program.
Addressing previous complaints about glitches and user experience, Tata Digital has revamped its strategy to improve app performance and user satisfaction, appointing a new CEO to drive business expansion.
Tata Sons has allocated over $2 billion to Tata Neu, reporting 60 million installs and 75 million NeuPass members. The strategic partnership may potentially involve equity participation, although this remains unverified.
In a separate commitment, Tata Motors pledged to supply Uber with 25,000 electric vehicles in February, marking the largest electric vehicle commitment between an automaker and a ridesharing platform in India. The partnership aims to electrify Uber services in major cities and may include a longer-term supply commitment. With a 70 percent share in the passenger EV market, Tata Motors aligns with Uber's zero-emission goals.