US based online car rental service, Uber has finally launched in India quietly testing its operations in Bangalore. We have reported in June this year Uber’s plans to launch operations in the country.

In a blog post, the company stated, “Over the next several weeks, Uber will be in “secret testing mode” in Bangalore; availability will be limited as we work to make more cars available and test our pricing. Please do take a ride and give us feedback on your experience at [email protected] or on twitter at @Uber_BLR. We love hearing from our riders and want to make your first Uber experience as warm and vibrant as India itself!”

Backed by Menlo Ventures, Amazon’s Jeff Bezos and Goldman Sachs, Uber makes a mobile application that connects passengers with drivers of luxury vehicles for hire. Cars are reserved by sending a text message or by using a mobile app. Using the apps, customers can track their reserved car's location as well.

“Uber’s goal is to bring a smile to your face as you cruise around town. Whether it’s getting to your favorite pub for happy hour or the iconic MTR for filter coffee, the endless one-ways and the incessant symphony of car horns can make even the most staunch local residents lose their minds. Bangaloreans deserve an easy and classy way to get around town, and Uber is here to deliver," the post stated further.

The company is in a team building mode and is looking for people in Operations and Community Management in New Delhi.

Uber is present in countries including the San Francisco Bay, New York City, Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, Boston, Washington, DC, Toronto, Paris, Berlin, Philadelphia, Dallas, San Diego, Amsterdam, Atlanta, Denver, London, Melbourne, Minneapolis–Saint Paul, Phoenix, Stockholm, Sydney, Baltimore, Detroit, Milan, Sacramento, and Singapore.

Transport rules and regulations in India are tricky for a foreign enterprise.  Recently, US-based Zoom had launched a membership-based, self-drive car rental service in Bangalore.

The on-demand taxi and car service has become a competitive market in India with ventures like OlaCabs, TaxiForSure, SharedCabs, Meru and TaxiGuide being some of the key players in the space.

A look at Online cab booking space in India

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Taxiforsure raises funding from existing investors

BookMyCab.com raises funding from YourNest Angel Fund and Mumbai Angels