BMW has joined forces with car rental firm Sixt to launch a revolutionary new car sharing service.
Called DriveNow, the 50:50 joint venture utilises BMW’s cars and Sixt’s industry knowledge, customer database and systems. Marketed under BMW’s new 'i' sub-brand the scheme is to debut in Munich and Berlin, although the German car maker hopes to eventually expand to more cities both in Europe and globally. By 2020 BMW aims to have one million members signed up to DriveNow.
Registered users will locate their nearest DriveNow BMW or Mini using a website or through an app on their smartphone – there are no fixed hire points – and keys are not necessary as the car will be accessed using a chip in the driver’s licence.
A one-off fee of €29 (£25) is paid to join DriveNow, after which all-inclusive car hire costs 29 cents (25p) per minute. Hire charges for the BMW Mini Cooper are capped at €14.90 (£13) per hour, and for 10 cents (9p) per hour the user can keep hold of the car while they are not driving it. The scheme is open to all, but drivers aged 18-21 will have to take an additional driving safety test first.
DriveNow begins next month in Munich with 300 BMW 1 Series and Mini vehicles, with a further 500 vehicles to be introduced when the scheme moves on to Berlin. BMW aims that where DriveNow is in operation its members will never be more than 500 metres from a hire car.
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