Daimler AG to test Car2Go concept in Ulm

According to statistics from Daimler, 50% of the world’s population lives in cities.  By 2050, that number is expected to be 75%.  As cities become more crowded and parking becomes more difficult to find, owning a car is expected to become either too much of a hassle or too expensive.

Daimler has developed an interesting idea called Car2Go that would provide environmentally friendly Smart-For Two cars conveniently located for short rentals.  According to Daimler, the idea would be to seed a large city with a thousand or more Smart-For Two cars scattered through out the area. 

Daimler will be trying this new idea out in the city of Ulm in southern Germany.  An initial fleet of 50 cars will be used to start out.  As demand for easy to find short term rentals rises, more cars will probably be added.

The theory is that whenever a customer needs a car, they will be able to find one parked close to their location.  Should you suddenly discover that you need to be across town to pick up your child, attend an emergency meeting, or visit a friend who is only in town for a short period of time, you can use your computer, your cell phone, or regular phone to find a car near you.

You only have to sign up for the service once.  Signing up can be done in person or over the internet.  Once you are an official Car2Go client, the program will issue an electronic sticker that is placed on your drivers license. 

To rent a car, you would swipe the sticker over an electronic reader.  Another electronic reader allows you to open the glove box so that you can retrieve the keys.

When you have reached your destination and no longer need the car, you simply swipe the sticker over the electronic reader shut the door and go.  Your per minute fee covers the use of the car, fuel and all other costs (I presume this means insurance). 

Cities like New York, London, Paris, and Boston all have extensive public transportation systems utilizing subways, buses, and trains.  Still there are times when you might need a car for transportation rather than any of the public transportation alternatives.  Daimler is providing that alternative with their Car2Go plan.

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