Sure to become the "next big thing" (well, maybe...), Daimler has launched Car2go, which is a fleet of 50 Smart cars, that can be "hired" as needed to make a quick across town commute, or whatever. This will first be tested with Daimler employees, and then, once the kinks are ironed out, offered to the public.
Yeah, I know we already have similar companies--and for some time (Car Sharing: Part-Time Ownership, Full-Time Savings), but I suspect this idea will soon catch on, and it could be a big moneymaker for those entrepreneurs smart enough (pun intended) and quick enough to cash in on this idea.
Here's Green Car Advisor's take: Daimler to Launch Vehicle-on-Demand Pilot Program in Germany Using Smart Cars
ateixeira says:
12:37 PM, 10/22/08
Makes sense for Urban markets. I see them here in DC, and near subway stops in the 'burbs.