Zipcar has 100 vehicles available now in Chicago
100 cars are ready to be shared and are waiting in 14 neighborhoods around Chicago, part of yesterday's launch that gave Zipcar the largest car sharing fleet in Illinois. The state government is promoting car sharing through a $25,000 grant that encourages car sharing in Illinois. Zipcar is matching the amount, so a total of $50,000 will be given back to new Zipcar members in the form of $50 credit to each of the first 1,000 members. The City of Chicago is also exempting all car sharing programs from rental car taxes. Zipcar also said the company plans on "significantly" increasing the Chicago fleet by the end of the year. GE Commercial Finance Services in May green-lighted $20 million in vehicle lease financing for Zipcar, which will be used to source and roll out new vehicles more quickly and cost-effectively, Zipcar says. Zipcar currently operated 1,800 vehicles around North America.
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[Source: Zipcar]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
DPC car videos 2:20PM (9/13/2006)
This is a great idea, but don't think it will work.
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Sebastian 11:34PM (9/13/2006)
So, you don't think it will work? Can you explain? Because while car sharing isn't for everyone, it certainly is a great idea for a lot of people. If you live in a city, then there's a good chance you take public transportation or taxis around a lot. If you have a car, then you use it to go on big shopping trips, or to get out of town. Wouldn't car sharing (and sometimes renting a car) give you the same benefits of owning a car with a lot less cost and maintenance and hassle?
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Sceptic, not cynic 1:52PM (9/15/2006)
I don't think it will work either, for one reason:
Someone takes their kid for a ride. The kid barfs all over. The person sort of cleans up the mess, but not all (hey, it's not their car!). Next person gets in the car, barfs from the terrible odor. Vows to cancell his membership and buy a used car. Tells everyone he can about his experience. Zip car now known as Barf car by all his friends. Within three years concept joins the million internet startups that went bust.
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jocie 3:37PM (10/03/2006)
It's October 3rd, and there are still fewer than 80 zipcars available in Chicago according to their reservation page. Where are the other 20? And why would Zipcar send out press releases with incorrect information??
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