Zipcar and Flexcar finish merger process

Zipcar and Flexcar—previously the two largest car sharing firms in the United States—have now completed a merger process that began last year. According to the terms of the fusion, the hourly car rental service offered by the two firms will now continue exclusively under the Zipcar banner. The merger will also see the company expand its car share services to six other states. In total, more than 180,000 are registered members of Zipcar. Although most members do still reside in the US, the company is growing in Canada and in the United Kingdom as well.

Unlike most traditional car hire firms, Zipcar allows clients to book vehicles on an hourly basis. Additionally, for an hourly rate, which usually hovers around $10, clients not only get to use new and well maintained cars to run local errands or attend special events, but they also receive free gasoline, as well as an insurance policy built into the price. All vehicles can be reserved online, as well as over the phone and clients can choose from a range of popular and fuel efficient cars, including Mini Coopers, the Toyota Prius, as well as Volvos.

The integration of Flexcar and Zipcar services has brought a degree of uniformity in terms of both prices and products offered. For example, most cars range from $9 to $10 per hour, and generally cost around $66 for those who wish to rent for an entire day. Unlike the larger rental firms, the only way to hire a vehicle through Zipcar is to become a member of the car sharing program, which involves the payment of annual dues.

www.zipcar.com