Flexcar Wins "Brilliant Transportation" Award

SEATTLE--Flexcar received the first-ever “Brilliant Transportation” award from the inaugural Discover Brilliant international conference and exposition, held at the Seattle Sheraton. Flexcar won the award for its accomplishments in changing people’s transportation habits, which has resulted in the reduction of thousands of cars off the roads and millions of pounds of carbon emissions from the atmosphere.

Discover Brilliant is an international conference and exposition examining innovations and approaches that generate more value, while reducing waste and environmental impacts. The event focuses on leading ideas in the areas of transportation, building, development, energy, and urban planning. The Brilliant Awards honor companies that have successfully generated more value with less impact for shareholders, stakeholders, and constituents.

“It is an honor to have a car-sharing service be recognized for its positive economic, environmental and community benefits,” said Mark Norman. “It is a testament to the fact that there are easy, convenient solutions that are both good for the environment and the wallet. Flexcar’s convenience and cost savings give people a way to experience the freedom of car ownership without the cost and hassle.”

Flexcar gives its members the freedom of owning a car without the cost and hassles. Flexcar’s “point-click-drive” system lets members have a car just when they need it, paying for it just when they use it. Vehicles are parked in conveniently located reserved parking spots throughout 15 U.S cities. Members reserve a Flexcar online or via touchtone phone, use their Flexcard to open the doors, take their trip, then return the car to its parking spot at the end of the reservation. A typical Flexcar rate is about $9.00 per hour or about $60.00 per day, and it includes gas, premium insurance, 150 free miles, maintenance, a reserved parking spot and 24-7 emergency service.

The environmental by-products of car-sharing programs have been well-documented by independent research: each shared car removes up to 15 personally owned vehicles and members reduce vehicle miles traveled by 40 percent and increase their use of public transit. Members report saving up to hundreds of dollars per month over owing a personal vehicle.

Flexcar’s environmentally-friendly fleet already exceeds current national average CAFE standards by more than 10 miles per gallon (36.06 vs. 24.85), and also exceeds the fuel efficiency of the average new vehicle. More than 30 percent of the fleet is comprised of hybrid vehicles and more than 80 percent of the fleet is certified ULEV (Ultra Low Emission Vehicle) by the California Air Resources Board. Not only is Flexcar’s fleet cool, it’s also fun, with dozens of MINI’s, Scion tC’s, Mazda Miatas and the new Lexus RX 400h luxury hybrid SUV.

Flexcar CEO Mark Norman addressed the conference Tuesday morning on the “Transportation” Track, and noted that Flexcar would also be a natural fit in other conference tracks including buildings, businesses and communities.

“Flexcar is part of the transportation infrastructure,” said Norman. “Developers are incorporating Flexcar into their plans, and with Flexcar support for LEED certification, it’s even easier. Hundreds of businesses are augmenting or replacing fleet cars with Flexcar, further enabling their employees to ride transit to work instead of their own car. And lastly, communities are continuing to embrace Flexcar on streets and in parking lots as a leading neighborhood amenity.”

About Flexcar

Flexcar founded the U.S. car-sharing industry and has operations in more cities (15) across the U.S. than any other provider. By the hour or by the day, members can reserve and drive any of these cars whenever and wherever they need to, without filling out complicated paperwork or paying for insurance, gas or repairs. Flexcar Business Memberships enable companies to augment or replace their fleet with Flexcar vehicles. Flexcar’s University programs enable campuses to address parking and mobility issues for faculty, staff and students. Flexcar's fleet includes environmentally-friendly hybrid sedans, utility vehicles (including pickups, minivans, and SUVs), sporty cars (including MINIs, Miatas and Scion tCs) and luxury vehicles (Lexus). Flexcar is a portfolio company of Revolution Living, an operating unit of Steve Case’s investment firm Revolution, LLC. More information on the company is available online at www.flexcar.com.

Editor's Note: Correct spelling and punctuation of name is "Flexcar" (not Flex-car FlexCar, Flexicar or Flex Car).