Auto major Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. and cab aggregator Ola announced a strategic alliance on Thursday. Through the tie-up, Ola’s driver partners can now avail of an integrated ‘Mahindra-Ola’ package which will include Mahindra cars at special prices, attractive financing with zero down payment, and the best NBFC interest rates, subsidized insurance premiums, comprehensive maintenance packages, as well as exclusive benefits on the Ola platform.

The alliance is expected to increase Ola’s fleet strength by 40,000 cars by 2018.   

Anand Mahindra, Chairman, Mahindra Group said “This is an initiative whose time has come, one that meets the current and future needs of Indian consumers, particularly younger ones who prefer shared mobility solutions. It also has a positive social impact on the lives and prospects of at least 40,000 driver owners, and their families.”

This unique alliance seeks to encourage micro-entrepreneurship amongst drivers, to address India’s growing mobility needs. Mahindra and Ola will also explore other areas of joint collaboration to build the next generation of mobility solutions including those for unique transportation use cases.

“As part of the strategic alliance between the two companies, we have created a unique solution to help tens of thousands of aspiring driver-entrepreneurs realize their dreams. Our alliance with Mahindra will help build significant scale by innovatively building more mobility options and newer use cases in the time to come,” said Bhavish Aggarwal, Co-Founder and CEO, Ola.

The Mahindra-Ola package focuses on financial inclusion by empowering driver partners who otherwise may not be able to invest in a car, to purchase one at a highly affordable price, and at upto zero down payment. It will also support drivers with accident insurance and scholarships for their children.