Daimler launching a pilot Smart car rental program in Texas

In light of declining sales in the US of Smart cars, Daimler AG is launching a pilot program– dubbed car2go — in Austin, Texas, for short-term rental of the micro car. Under the program, registered users will be able to pick up an available Smart, use it for as long they want to, and return it to designated locations in the city. A pilot with 200 Smart ForTwo cars will be run with Austin city employees.

Last year, Daimler tested the program in Ulm, Germany, with Mercedes-Benz employees and opened the program to city residents in March.
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monster - 11/17/2009 1:53:25 PM

+1 Boost

isn't something nissan and toyota are doing in japan for a while?

_43LE - 11/17/2009 2:23:21 PM

+1 Boost

Here in Montreal, we have had a similar program for 15 years, although you have to return the car to the same location. Available cars, Toyota Echos and Yaris. We also have "Bixi" where you can rent a bike and return it to any location. Great idea for those that don't always need a car. I have often debated the need to have a car since I live and work in the city. I drive only about 4,000 miles a yeary. But, the car freak inside me says keep it.

rxh8me9000 - 11/17/2009 3:29:23 PM

+1 Boost

You can use it for as long as you want?Whats the catch?

rxh8me9000 - 11/17/2009 3:30:59 PM

+1 Boost

Sorry...didnt see that you have to pay for it. $73.00 a day is a lot for a Smart car.

Whelan - 11/17/2009 3:52:07 PM

+1 Boost

Zip car for the win.

TheDepressingTruth - 11/18/2009 3:43:50 AM

+1 Boost

Why would you pay $73.00 a day when you can go to Enterprise for $40.00 or less?

Whelan - 11/18/2009 8:24:30 AM

+1 Boost

^They pick you up.