Innovation in car sharing - car2go

The first car sharing scheme was launched in Zurich in 1948 as a co-operative and in the late 1960's the idea was seriously explored as an alternative to individual car traffic. With the rise of green issues and the early debate on climate change in the 1980's and 1990's cities in Germany, Switzerland, Scandinavia and The Netherlands started successful and commercially viable car sharing schemes. Over the last 10 years the idea was introduced to the USA, which is now the fastest growing market. car2go takes car sharing to the next level.       

Car sharing schemes were always designed to reduce individual car transport and to provide flexibility and cost savings for the users. car2go is currently being tested in Ulm, Southern Germany, and the scheme integrates the latest internet and mobile technology into an innovative service proposition.

The scheme currently comprises of 200 smart cars which are parked in public spaces around the city. As a user you can register online or at an office in the centre of town to participate. On registering your drivers licence is provided with an electronic chip which enables the car to be unlocked. You will also get a PIN, which is needed to start the car.

You can simply use a free car when passing by, or you can book it in advance online or with your mobile phone. car2go will send you an e-mail or a text message telling you where to find the nearest free car. You can drive the car around the city as long as you want and you can leave it on any public parking space when you have finished with it.  

The fleet consists of smart fortwo cdi models with a combined fuel consumption of 3.3 l per 100 km and CO2 emissions of 88 g/km. These are unmatched peak values. Each car is currently used up to 8 times per day. The costs are 19 cents per minute, 9.90 Euros an hour or 49 Euros per day including insurance and maintenance.

It is expected that users will come into town by train or bus and book car2go when needed. This will not only reduce traffic jams and emissions, but also save time and money.

car2go was developed and piloted by the Daimler Research Team in Ulm and the test phase in Ulm has exceeded all expectations. The scheme will be launched in Austin, Texas in Autumn 2009.

www.car2go.com

M.HAUS 2009