Tripartite Response To Help Drivers Affected By Recent Vehicle Repossessions

Autobahn Rent A Car creditors have recently repossessed vehicles from a number of private hire drivers, leaving many drivers without the means to continue earning a living.

In response, NTUC-affiliated associations, the National Private Hire Vehicles Association (NPHVA) and the National Taxi Association (NTA) called for a tripartite response, and have been working with the Land Transport Authority (LTA) and platform operators ComfortDelGro (CDG), Grab, and STRIDES Premier to secure immediate support for affected drivers.

Ms Yeo Wan Ling, Assistant Secretary General of NTUC and Advisor to NPHVA and NTA said, "We know this situation has created significant hardship for affected drivers, and we have engaged a number of them. Drivers depend on their vehicles to earn a living, and we take their livelihoods seriously. I am glad that our tripartite partners came together swiftly to help affected drivers get back on the road. NPHVA and NTA will continue to work with LTA and platform operators to protect and support our drivers."

Vehicles Available for Leasing
Our priority for all tripartite partners is to help affected drivers get back on the road as quickly as possible. Platform operators have made vehicles available on favourable terms, including:

ComfortDelGro
• Security deposit waiver, $0 driveaway.
• Flexible rental options across the PHV and Taxi fleet, with taxi options available for TDVL holders.
• Wide range of VEP-enabled vehicles for usage in Malaysia.
• Additional platform incentives to help recover lost income.
• Opportunities for TDVL holders to join Driver Employee Scheme for a stable income.
• Career opportunities for affected Autobahn staff.

Grab
• $0 deposit for all GrabRentals mileage cars to minimise upfront costs.
• Up to $1,000 completion bonus with GrabRentals to help recover lost income.
• Additional platform incentives for vehicles collected before end-March to boost earnings.
• Protection of Emerald Circle tier and Grab Streak Bonus during vehicle transition to maintain eligibility.
• Competitive rental rates and flexible contract terms through GrabRentals for greater flexibility.
• Fast-tracked vehicle matching via GrabRentals and partner network to minimise downtime.
• One-on-one consultations at Grab Driver Centre (GDC) for personalised vehicle and support needs.
• Full sponsorship of PDVL to TDVL conversion, as well as additional petrol vouchers, with GrabCab.
• Access to GrabAcademy sessions to explore supplemental income and new earning opportunities.

STRIDES Premier
• No deposit required, $0 driveaway.
• Rentals from $75/day including CDW and GST.
• First three days free rental.
• Able to drive to West Malaysia with no additional cost.

For leasing availability, please contact the operators directly:

Legal Assistance for NTUC Members
For NTUC members who are affected, and have questions about contractual obligations with Autobahn, you may contact lawworks@ntuc.org.sg or nphva@ntuc.org.sg for general guidance from NTUC’s legal clinic.

Notice on Vehicle Insurance and Licensing Compliance

LTA has received information that the car insurance for some Autobahn cars has not been renewed or has been cancelled. LTA has given them notice that as the owner, they must ensure proper insurance cover and if there is a lapse in insurance, Autobahn must ensure that the hirer is informed and that the vehicle is not used on the roads. Besides insurance, the vehicle must also be licensed (i.e. have valid road tax) as using an unlicensed or uninsured vehicle are offences under the Road Traffic Act and Motor Vehicles (Third-Party Risks and Compensation) Act respectively.

The tripartite partners are committed to supporting affected drivers through this difficult period.