Uber still ahead despite stiffening competition, playing to win: CEO Dara Khosrowshahi

Uber is maintaining its lead over competitors as the company expands in allied businesses, chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi said in an interview. The ride-hailing company is “playing to win” in India, which he expects to become its biggest market in trip numbers within a decade, up from third now.

This comes as closest challenger Rapido announced $240 million in funding while gaining ground and diversifying into food delivery.

Khosrowshahi, 56, said the San Francisco-based company is open to revisiting food delivery in India, a business it exited in 2020.

The Iranian-born CEO said he could consider partnering ousted Uber founder Travis Kalanick on a potential autonomous vehicle opportunity, the first time he’s publicly acknowledged the possibility.

Uber announced two additional tech centres across Bengaluru and Hyderabad last week, along with its first data centre in the country, being set up with Adani Group as part of a push to build AI infrastructure.

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Despite 70% of Uber’s code being written by AI, Khosrowshahi said the company will continue adding tech centres in India as it makes the country a hub for tech and innovation. “My view is that AI gives engineers superpowers. The business is growing very quickly, especially here in India. Our engineers love building products with local impact, and AI is making them more productive,” he said.

During his five-day India trip, Khosrowshahi met finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman and other ministers.

Uber supports the government’s new labour reforms for gig workers. “We think the solution that we’re talking about--which is part-time flexible work with benefits, including social security—is quite constructive, and we’re having a dialogue there,” he said.

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