Car2go, the car-sharing service from Daimler and Europcar, has launched services in two London boroughs. London is the 17th city served by Car2go, and globally the company has more than 250,000 customers who use over 6,000 vehicles worldwide. More than five million Car2go rental transactions have been made to date.
Car2go costs 35p per minute and is billed directly to the customers' account. Until 31 December 2012, customers can register for free and get 30 minutes of driving pre-loaded onto their account. This rate always includes fuel, insurance, road tax, parking and maintenance.
"A lot of Londoners don't need or want a car all the time but enjoy the freedom that driving brings. Car2go gives the best of both worlds - the ability to go where you want, when you want - and in comfort - but without all the costs associated with owning, running and insuring a car full-time," said Stefan Mueller, ceo Car2go Europe gmbh. "Today's launch in three London Boroughs is a big moment for Car2go - the Capital is our first UK city. Of course, we're working with other Boroughs to bring Car2go to more people over the coming weeks and months - and other cities and towns too. We're really at the beginning of a very exciting story for urban mobility in Great Britain."
Every Car2go vehicle in London is based on the smart mhd – a compact two-seater which emits 98g/km of CO2, start-stop technology, GPS navigation and air conditioning.
Marcus Breitschwerdt, president and ceo of Mercedes-Benz UK Ltd, added: "Our smarts are Congestion Charge-exempt, all have eco-start/stop, automatic transmission, air conditioning, GPS navigation, are fuelled, insured and cleaned and are available 24/7. If you park in a Borough-operated parking bay in Islington, Sutton or Newham you don't even have to pay for parking - Car2go has got that covered too."
Ken McCall, managing director, Europcar UK Group, said: "Europcar is very excited to be involved in this new innovation for UK motorists. Our focus is all about mobility and we believe Car2go gives drivers even more choice in how they want to travel."
THEBADMANRIDDUM - 05/12/2012 13:43
I don't know whether to clap or cry. This is a fantastic idea, it truly is - it gives those who want a low payment for driving the perfect opportunity to drive without owning - yet, it also means that more and more competitors will come creeping out of the woodwork. Perhaps this is the start of a new turn in the motor industry - where people no longer own cars, where driving is essentially a 'pay-as-you-go' contract? that's what I'm a little wary of, it's scary to see these things moving so quickly...!