N4T Investigators: Popular peer to peer car rental service used for crime
Bever said he rented out his car for what was only supposed to be one day, but things took a wild turn. “It was June 27, it was supposed to be returned [June] 28 at 10 in the morning. The June 28 came and no word from the renter," Bever explained. Bever began to worry. By using a special GPS service linked to his Subaru Outback, he was able to see his car was at the U.S.-Mexico Border. He called the police and said they told him his car was seized for being used in human trafficking. (Read More)
New car-sharing program is Zipcar-meets-Tesla
The Boston area already produced the carsharing giant Zipcar. Now a new service is combining that idea with the fast-growing demand for electric vehicles and a mission of helping equality. (Read More)
Are Rental Car Alternatives Safe?
Ridesharing has existed in the U.S. since the 1980s. But with the onset of new technology and questions about insurance liability, are these alternatives worth the risks? Let’s explore a few options. (Read More)
Renting a car in Hawaii with Turo during rental ‘apocalypse’
I just returned from Hawaii and survived the car rental “apocalypse” with the help of a startup car-sharing service called Turo. We’ve written about the service before, but TPG wanted a full review of what it’s like to rent with Turo. And the shortage of car rentals in Hawaii made it the perfect opportunity to test it out. Overall, I can recommend the service, though there are definitely some growing pains you should be aware of before you go this route on your next trip. (Read More)
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Last Week’s Headlines
Free2Move Launches Monthly Subscription Service in D.C.
With an objective to simplify mobility for its customers with tailor-made solutions for the world of tomorrow, Free2Move is 100% digital and includes car sharing, ride sharing, parking access, and rental services, in an app with on-demand access. The Car On Demand addition adds month-to-month vehicle access with no hidden fees, the company announced. (Read More)
Hawaii residents are renting out their cars during rental shortage. Now, officials are cracking down
It's no secret that Hawaii has been experiencing a rental car shortage, driving visitors to rent U-Hauls or pay sky-high prices for the few options available. Some vacationers have turned to peer-to-peer car sharing apps like Turo — but now, these car rental businesses are becoming a problem. (Read More)
New car share service drives into Victoria this weekend
Victoria’s increased urban density, environmental bent and active-transit network have set the stage for a new car-share program to hit the streets. With its focus squarely on Victoria, rather than the region, and outlets at the University of Victoria and Camosun College’s Lansdowne campus, Vancouver-based Evo Car Share believes it has the recipe for success in the city. (Read More)
Car-Sharing Firm Getaround Settles Over Tax Bill, Customer Damage and Thefts
Getaround Inc. will pay $950,000 to Washington, D.C. and revise its business practices after allegations that it misrepresented the benefits and nature of its car sharing services and failed to pay city sales taxes, officials said on Friday. The Softbank-backed San Francisco-based online company had operated without a license in the U.S capital, District of Columbia Attorney General Karl Racine said in a statement. (Read More)
Expedia Survey: Car Renters Want Flexibility, Enhanced Cleaning
New research from Expedia Group reveals shifting views on travel, including positive sentiment on vaccine passports, increased budgets, and an enduring demand for safety and financial security. The Traveler Value Index for Car Rental examined the views of 8,000 people across eight countries to learn their values and expectations as the pandemic becomes more controlled in many parts of the world. (Read More)
Stretch your Dollar: Navigate the rental ‘car-pocalypse’ with vehicle-sharing services
Turo CMO Andrew Mok said, “In some of these markets where the car rental crunch is the worst, like in Hawaii, like in Anchorage, Alaska, we’re finding our hosts are stepping in and they’re just sharing their idle cars that otherwise would just be sitting there. And travelers are getting access to them.” (Read More)