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Not so long ago when browsing through a glossy Danish magazine (forgot which) I stumbled across an ad for RENT A MINI, a car-rental company based here in Copenhagen.
As the name suggests, the provider rents Minis only (Mini Cooper that is) and the idea behind the concept is that renting a car should be easy, cool and relatively cheap at the same time. The cars can be booked online through a simple interface. Currently, the service is available in Copenhagen only, but the ambitious goal is to operate in all metropolises within the next five years.
RENT A MINI's website does not tell how closely affiliated they are to BMW, the manufacturer of Mini. They are probably not that close, but in any case, I am intrigued by the idea of a car-company that does not only produce cars but also design service-systems (car sharing/rental) as an alternative to individual ownership.
COMMENTS (3)
Actually, from 1994 to 2005, Hertz was owned by Ford. I remember at the time reading a series of interviews with one of the executives (maybe the CEO?) talking about how Ford was planning on making private car rental, vs ownership, more attractive and viable as a lifestyle choice. I wonder if they gave up on that vision?
A similar program has been started in a number of US and Canadian cities and even London. Check the link below.
www.zipcar.com
When it comes to carsharing programs, Greenwheels in the Netherlands is probably the best 'designed' (that I know of). It was also one of the first (1995). Besides offering nifty tech services and dedicated parking spaces in the cities they also collaborate with the Dutch Railways. So, it's a program that integrates very well with its surroundings thereby offering some advantages over private ownership. Only problem is that they are not exactly 'sexy' (like the Mini Cooper).
Coincidentally (?), members at Greenwheels also get discount at Hertz !
www.greenwheels.nl