Toyota to Partner with Uber

Toyota Motor Company announced that it had formed a partnership with and plans to invest an undisclosed sum in ride-sharing service Uber.

The move will see the two create new leasing options under which car buyers will be able to lease their vehicles from Toyota and cover payments through earnings they make as Uber drivers.  The program will be available in the United States and other markets but is likely to not include Japan.

Toyota says that the leasing period will be flexible and based on driver needs.

The new partnership will also see the two companies begin to develop in-car apps that support Uber drivers, and establish a unique fleet program to sell Toyota and Lexus vehicles to Uber drivers.

General Motors and Volkswagen recently made investments in rival ride-sharing companies.

(Photo: Accura Media Group)