Car Sharing In Germany Becoming Popular: U.S. is Next!

In case you are not familiar with car sharing the concept has been around for a long time. According to a research paper in 2005, Car sharing would provide members access to a fleet of autos for short-term use throughout the day reducing the need for one or more personal vehicles. Over ten years ago, cars haring operators began to appear in North America. Since 1994, a total of 40 programs have been deployed, not all survived but a fair number have. Carsharing growth potential in North America is based on a survey of 26 existing organizations conducted from April to July 2005. Since the mid-1990s, and the number of members and vehicles supported by car sharing in the U.S. and CanadaCanada continues to grow. Growth potential in major metropolitan regions is estimated at 10% of individuals over the age of 21 in North America could rely on cars haring as their major source of transportation.

Here in the U.S. car sharing was popular a few years ago, but lately there hasn’t been much reported about Americans sharing cars. But in Germany it seems to have found a niche, according to Der Spiegel.

Today, anyone can drive around the German capital in a new BMW for just a few euros. All they need is a valid driver's license and a membership in the user club known as DriveNow, a joint venture by the Munich-based automaker BMW and car-rental company. The one-time membership fee is €29 ($39).

In return, members get an electronically readable driver's license sticker, which opens the doors of hundreds of BMWs or Minis parked on Berlin's streets. Users can locate and reserve the cars online. When a DriveNow driver is done with a car, they park it and use a prepaid card to fill the gas tank. Gasoline, parking fees and comprehensive insurance are included in the rental fee of €0.29 per minute.

DriveNow sponsored by BMW is not the innovator of this concept. Daimler first developed this for Smart City Car. It was a program piloted in Germany and has plans to expand around the world. The program called Car2Go will be offering electric Smart cars which are already available in Amsterdam, and here in the U.S. in San Diego.

Within five years they expect to established in 50 major cities on several continents. Competition is expected to be fierce as Volkswagen has announced it will launch its own car sharing program called Quicar in Germany next week.

Car sharing is definitely an alternative to car ownership, and it’s convenient with no worries about car repairs, insurance or other concerns related to owning a car.