Idea that could bring uber more money
Uber should enlist car companies to sponsor uber drivers with certain new and popular models of their cars on the app. (Like 1/2 bonus for drivers). That way, riders can experience new cars without having to go to the dealership, and it would be a subtle form of marketing that can get more sales.
I think uber offers a discount to lease a car but I don't know the variety of section uber drivers get. I like OP's suggestion and think it would Be good marketing especially by target regions maybe lend out eco-efficient cars in populated cities and lend out trucks in country side. Lots of car manufacturers have excessive inventory which would Be a good idea to lower inventory and get some ROI
But personal cars are competition for Uber. They don't want you to have your own car, they want you to share theirs. Personal car ownership is also on a downward trend due to car shares and bike sharing. Plus people are realizing owning a personal car in an urban area is a losing proposition anyway: initial cost then instant depreciation, insurance, accidents, traffic, parking, upkeep. Great idea but probably won't fly.
Great idea! Considered joining? pm me if interested.
bad idea and poor ROI for the car companies
How about Uber extend horizontally instead of a vertical integration. Riders who take Uber an uber to their destinations, typically check the app, trace their pick up vehicles and gaze at the map. How about Uber charge businesses to put their listings in the vicinity of the destination. Uber can charge for listing new or established business on the map. That way businesses know that they are getting people's eyeballs. Can be tried out in urban areas and metropolitans first and then slowly integrated nationally.
Doesn't this already happen? Not explicitly like you are saying but when Uber/Lyft drivers don't have their own car, there are deals where they can "rent" cars to drive and they range from used and affordable to newer models I thought