Proton rental for Uber drivers

KUALA LUMPUR: Those seeking to generate their own income can now apply to be an Uber driver by renting Proton cars from just RM45 a day.

Called the Quick Ride, the service follows the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) by the e-hailing service provider, national automaker Proton and Quick Ride Sdn Bhd, a newlylaunched company conceptualised by Cartrade Group and Koperasi Amanah Pelaburan Berhad (KAPB).

KAPB executive chairman and Quick Ride chairman Datuk Mohamed Ilyas Mohamed said for a start, 1,000 units of cars would be up for rent and they were targeted to be fully taken up by applicants by January, Bernama reports.

The number is likely to gradually increase to up to 10,000 units over the next two years.

Speaking to reporters after the signing of the MoU here yesterday, Mohamed Ilyas said applicants can either choose a Proton Saga for RM45 per day or a Proton Persona for RM55 per day with hassle-free deals including free vehicle maintenance, road tax and insurance.

“Those keen can register on the Quick Ride website or personally come to our office at Menara Kembar Bank Rakyat, and we and Uber will process the application.

“If all requirements are met, the applicants will be called to sign the contract and pay a RM1,000 deposit for a three-year lease which can be terminated in advance, with penalty imposed,” Mohamed Ilyas said.

The MoU was inked by Quick Ride chief executive officer Mohamed Fahmi Mohamed Ilyas, Uber Malaysia general manager for expansion Karina Ali Noor and Proton Holdings Bhd chief executive officer Datuk Ahmad Fuaad Kenali.

The average rental rate for taxis charged by taxi companies in the Klang Valley varies from between RM80 and RM100 daily for a Proton Saga.