Zipcar Doubles Chicago’s Car Sharing Population

Zipcar Doubles Chicago’s Car Sharing Population

Thousands of Chicagoans decide sharing a car beats owning one

Zipcar, Chicago’s fastest growing car sharing service, today announced that after one year of operations in the city, it has attracted thousands of members and taken hundreds of cars off the city’s streets.

During its first year of operations, 250 Zipcars, comprised of 15 makes and models, were placed in more than 100 city locations. To meet growing demand moving forward, Zipcar today also announced that it plans to double its current fleet of vehicles within the next 12 months, adding vehicles in new and existing neighborhoods.

To celebrate its first birthday in Chicago and success to date, Zipcar is hosting an event on September 22, 2007, at Goose Island Brew Pub. At the event, Zipcar will thank the city of Chicago for its support of sustainable transportation initiatives by equipping two Toyota Hybrid Prius Zipcars with Chicago’s famous “green roofs.” Zipcar will also offer free memberships to all city employees who join the service by November 1, 2007 as well as free memberships to guests who sign up during the anniversary bash.

“After one year of operations in the city, it is clear that Chicago has a strong focus on sustainable living and that residents are embracing innovative solutions to help Chicago grow smartly,” said Zipcar CEO Scott Griffith, who earned his MBA at the University of Chicago. “We are excited to share this day with our members and thank the city for its commitment to sustainable transportation solutions, while using it as an opportunity to continue to educate and raise awareness about the benefits of car sharing in Chicago.”

With hundreds of new members joining Zipcar Chicago each month, car sharing is now firmly ensconced in the city and continues to grow steadily. More than 40% of Zipcar members report giving up a car or deciding not to purchase one after using the service, resulting in hundreds of vehicles coming off Chicago streets. In addition, members also report driving less and choosing to walk, bike and use public transportation more often, resulting in significantly less pollutants emitted into the local atmosphere.

Sharing the Wealth

To celebrate its first year serving the Windy City, Zipcar is giving back in three carbon-neutral ways.
By giving away free memberships at its anniversary bash, Saturday, September 22 from 5-8pm at Goose Island Brew Pub.
By offering free memberships to all city employees; sign-up deadline is November 1.
By decking out two Zipcars with Chicago’s famous “green roofs,” a nod to both the city and to Zipcar’s environmentally friendly business model.

For more information on Zipcar’s one-year anniversary or on Zipcar in Chicago, contact Midge Dinou at mdinou {at} grisko(.)com or 312-335-0100 (office) and 773-319-2220 (cell).

About Zipcar

Zipcar is the world’s largest and fastest growing car sharing service, with more than 120,000 members and 3,500 vehicles in major metropolitan areas and colleges campuses, including Boston, New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Washington, DC, Vancouver, Toronto and London, England. As a leading urban lifestyle brand, Zipcar provides a convenient and cost effective transportation alternative for individuals, businesses and universities in more than 35 cities, including operations in 18 North American states and provinces. For more information, visit www.zipcar.com.

Contacts

Carolyn Grisko and Associates
Midge Dinou
Office: 312-335-0100
mdinou {at} grisko(.)com