Zipcar Expands Fleet, Lowers Prices in Chicago

Business seem to be going well in in the car sharing domain, though we would have never expected people to give up on owning a car and enter this kind of program. Zipcar has recently announced they have extended their business in Chicago, expanding the fleet to more than 400 vehicles, in order to cover the demands.

It took Zipcar only three years to reach this level, so we might say that future sounds good for them. They have even lowered the pricing options, which could help them face the current economy situation successfully.

"Zipcar membership in Chicago is up nearly 50% since last year," said Mark Norman, President and COO of Zipcar.

"Zipcar users report household spending on transportation of 6% versus the national average of 19%. The growing group of Zipcar members in Chicago has contributed to an estimated 10,000 fewer personally owned vehicles on Chicago's streets and more than $50 million saved by Chicago's Zipcar member households each year."

Pricing starts at $7 per hour, many of the lower-priced vehicles being hybrids, so members will benefit both from cost and carbon savings. Moreover, at the request of the Chicagoans, the cars were equipped with E-Z pass toll transponders and iPod plug-in jacks.

"With hundreds of new members joining Zipcar Chicago each month, and each Zipcar replacing 20 personally owned cars, car sharing is now a major player in the city's transportation mix. Zipcar's leading brand, technology, award-winning customer service, and premier member experience will continue to be significant drivers for future growth," added Norman.

Are people more aware of the financial benefits or is it their concern for the environment that makes them turn to a car sharing program? Meanwhile, until a survey is conducted, we’ll just have to consider both as being valid.