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(CNN Business) -
Uber launched a car rental service in its app across the United States on Wednesday, and next month it will launch a valet service in the city of Washington to take them to customers.
The car rental program, called Uber Rent, will offer the possibility of booking within the application of brands such as Avis and Hertz, according to Uber.
Prices will be set by rental companies, Uber said, and it will take a commission from reservations, similar to how travel sites operate.
In the United States, there has been a shortage of rental cars after companies in this sector sold much of their inactive fleets at the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Uber believes that it can attract customers to book rental cars through this platform, simplifying the experience with a simpler appearance, based on the results of tests carried out with users.
He also said that he will initially offer a 10% discount on all Uber Cash reservations, money that can be spent on the Uber app for other purchases.
The company has not said how long the 10% discount will last.
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Competitor Lyft began offering car rentals in its app in 2019 and has expanded into 15 states and the city of Washington through an alliance with car rental company Sixt.
Uber's valet service will launch in Washington City next month, and Uber said it plans to expand it to customers across the country later this year.
The price of the service will be similar to that of a trip on demand, according to a spokesman who did not want to give more details.
Rental deliveries can be contactless, given concerns about social distancing.
Uber said it will develop authentication methods such as using a PIN code to ensure that only the customer can access their vehicle.
(Washington, where Uber will launch Uber Valet, has seen an increase in vehicle thefts this year.)
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Valet drivers will be chosen from anyone on the Uber platform who is over 25 years old, has opted for its "Work Hub" program and has joined the Avis Preferred partner program.
Valet drivers may be tipped.
Uber made the car rental announcement during an event Wednesday that featured new products, including a way to book rides to vaccination centers from the time of application.
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