Skift Take
Ford could be manufacturing the start of some stiff competition for companies such as ZipCar, Hertz and other car-sharing startups. Ford and other car companies presumably would have a cost advantage in producing a fleet, but that's only the beginning of the challenge.
Ford announced the launch of Ford2Go, the first manufacturer-backed, car-sharing program to incorporate dealerships.
At this point, Ford2Go will be limited to Germany. The new program utilizes participating Ford dealers across the European country to offer cars and services to customers, and includes a Web-based booking system, and iOS and Android apps. The new Ford2Go service will be rolled out in the second quarter of 2013, according to the company, which will make more than 500 cars available from 50 European dealerships by the end of the year.
From the release: Ford2Go will be rolled out from the second quarter of 2013, with more than 500 cars expected to be made available from 50 dealerships by the end of the year. DB Rent will deliver the web-based booking system and the app will be compatible with both iOS and Android mobile devices, and available for use by private and commercial customers.
Ford’s German trade network includes 527 Ford dealers, 257 affiliated branches and 1083 Ford authorized repair shops, any of which would be able to take part in the program.
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Tags: car-sharing, ford