BMW Launches "DriveNow" Car-Sharing System in Munich

[The Vegan Marxist]

This is fucking awesome! Hopefully, for those of us who live in the States, we'll see this take place as well for us.

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BMW Launches "DriveNow" Car-Sharing System in Munich
March 25, 2011

More signs that the era of the personal automobile may be slowly coming to an end: BMW is launching an interesting new car-sharing system in Munich next month, with plans to bring it worldwide.

Called DriveNow, the system will use about 300 cars—both Mini Coopers and BMW 1-Series models. After registering for the system for a one-time payment of €29 (about $41 at the moment), you can look up cars in your area, reserve a free one, unlock it electronically, drive it anywhere within the service boundaries, and drop it off wherever it's convenient. For each ride you simply pay 29 cents per minute, up to €14.90 (about $21) per hour (you pay no extra for gas).

It seems like an especially simple system, and the price is reasonable. At $21 per hour, it would be cheaper than a cab—even cheaper than parking in some cities. The fact that every account is linked to a driver's license will presumably deter theft and vandalism. Hopefully 300 cars will be enough to give Müncheners confidence that one will be available when they need it.

Here are a few videos demonstrating how the system works.

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http://www.good.is/post/bmw-launches-drivenow-car-sharing-system-in-munich/

[Decommissioner]

I am a big fan of this idea, especially in areas with very limited public transportation such as the one I am in. If I can be weaned off of having to pay car payments and maintenance of my car, I and a lot of people who are far worse off (economically) can benefit from these plans. What would also help is if there is a centralised parking garage(s) strategically placed around the city, in the instance there happens to not be any drive now cars in your vicinity. WIth that, people could plan out the walk or bikeride to the garage, and more feasibly rely on the car for transportation to work.

[pastradamus]

Interesting idea. However I see one huge practical flaw with this idea and that is road safety.

If you get one of these cars you will be paying by the minute which will encourage people to drive much faster in order to save money. Making for more dangerous driving. The cars themselves may become extremely worn out over time as a consequence of this.

But it is an interesting idea at the same time.

[RED DAVE]

This already exists in the United States. It's called Z-Cars. If you are a member, you can rent a car by the hour, day, week. It costs $50/month, but that amount is deductible from your payments.

It's very convenient in a place like New York City. You use their website to pick out a car, go to where it's garaged and use your ID card to unlock the vehicle.

RED DAVE

[The Vegan Marxist]

This already exists in the United States. It's called Z-Cars. If you are a member, you can rent a car by the hour, day, week. It costs $50/month, but that amount is deductible from your payments.

It's very convenient in a place like New York City. You use their website to pick out a car, go to where it's garaged and use your ID card to unlock the vehicle.

RED DAVE

But you don't just park where ever you like though. I'm sure the z-cars had to be returned at some point from where it originated. That's what I like about the BMW idea. It's like that car commercial I remember watching one time, where people would drive somewhere, take out the keys, throw it to the nearest person, then they'd get in and drive, and so on and so forth.

[RED DAVE]

But you don't just park where ever you like though. I'm sure the z-cars had to be returned at some point from where it originated. That's what I like about the BMW idea. It's like that car commercial I remember watching one time, where people would drive somewhere, take out the keys, throw it to the nearest person, then they'd get in and drive, and so on and so forth.You're right. Originally, that was the concept, but it's too hard to find curbside parking space in big cities, so they substituted underground garages and lots.

It's still pretty convenient. My wife and I got the word that my Mom had died at about 5:30 in the morning. We were in a car and on the road in a Z-car within 45 minutes.

RED DAVE