Looks like Smart is experimenting with car sharing, or cars on demand, and they're choosing the most interesting places to test it out. After a successful trial in Ulm, Germany, Smart is looking to bring on-demand use of its car to Austin. You know, in Texas. Yes, the same Texas with all the steers, BBQ, cowboys, Bush family members and general vehicle xenophobia. There must be some sort of Teutonic logic behind all of this.
Indeed, Smart is being as logical as ever. Whenever a car is needed, it can be rented on the spot, or it can be pre-booked via mobile phone or the internet. A Smart car2go can be used for as long as needed, and can be returned to any unoccupied public parking space within the area of operation. So think of it as a car-sharing program run directly by a car manufacturer. And the costs are reasonable too: 19 euro cents per minute, and that covers everything, taxes, insurance, mileage and even fuel. They also rent by the hour and day, if needed, 9.90 euros per hour or 49 euros per day. All you have to do is register (for free) and have a valid driver's license. Once you're registered, you can open any car2go by means of a card reader placed behind the windshield.
Dr. Thomas Weber, Daimler AG board member responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development says, "The very promising results of the first, internal pilot phase in Ulm show that with car2go we have found another answer to current and future mobility needs in metropolitan areas. Our project in Austin is the next logical step."
OK, fine, but the leap from Ulm to Texas is explained Austin mayor Will Wynn, "We very much look forward to becoming the first international partner of car2go. Our city is known for its strong sense of environmental responsibility. Car2go fits this wonderfully because we can then offer the residents of Austin an intelligent mobility concept with a high positive environmental factor. The project has our full support."
Best of luck Smart for the eyes of Texas are upon you.
