Perodua launches UCar-e: An app-based car-rental service for selected universities

KUALA LUMPUR: Perodua has launched an app-based car rental service for students and university staff, named UCar-e (pronounced ‘You Car’). It is developed in association with three local universities - Universiti Utara Malaysia, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (Malaysia-Japan International Institute of Technology). 

The Perodua UCar-e app will allow users to book and access shared vehicles for travel within university campuses. They can access vehicles parked at designated locations on campus and are required to return them to specific parking zones after use. Expected to roll out in June 2026, the service will be implemented in stages, depending on each university’s readiness and rollout schedules.

Perodua President and Chief Executive Officer, Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad, launched the UCar-e initiative at Inasis Perodua, UUM, in a ceremony, which was also attended by UUM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Martadha Mohamed.

“We are initially providing 50 Perodua vehicles to these universities for use by students and staff, where they can book, access, and utilise the vehicles to travel from their accommodations to lecture halls within university grounds,” said Dato’ Sri Zainal Abidin Ahmad.

“We want to make this experience as simple and hassle-free as possible for students and staff. Perodua is also working closely with the respective universities to appoint students to manage the vehicles, including maintaining cleanliness, monitoring fuel level, and ensuring proper upkeep. In return, the student will receive commission-based payments,” he added. 

“We realise that many from Gen Zs are more interested in the driving experience rather than owning a vehicle, as the maintenance costs, limited parking availability, and traffic congestion are encouraging them to seek alternative mobility solutions. By responsibly appointing students as vehicle management agents, we are also incorporating entrepreneurship training and exposure for the younger generation, which is an essential life skill,” he explained. 

This move represents the brand’s latest initiative under its “Mobility as a Lifestyle” concept, which focuses on offering a more service-oriented mobility solution rather than conventional vehicle ownership. As part of Perodua’s broader efforts to expand its automotive business through innovative mobility services catering to evolving consumer trends and lifestyle preferences.

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