Flexcar Names General Manager for San Francisco Office; Company Adding Cars, Staff and Members

SAN FRANCISCO--Nov. 3, 2005--Flexcar has named Dana Beard as general manager for the San Francisco office. Flexcar, which expanded its carsharing service to San Francisco recently, is the first carsharing company to offer service throughout the state of California, along the West Coast and across the country. Beard will have overall responsibility for the daily operations of the region, as well as for growing Flexcar in San Francisco.

A graduate of Dartmouth College, Beard has held marketing and business management positions with Internet and technology companies such as E*TRADE Group, Incorporated, Motorola, Inc., and The 3DO Company. As a long-time San Francisco resident and regular commuter to Silicon Valley, Beard personally understands the pain of traffic congestion, extraordinarily high gas prices and parking costs endured by Bay Area workers and residents.

"We're thrilled to have Dana on board. Her combination of extensive business contacts in San Francisco and expertise in business management is a perfect match for Flexcar as we grow here," said Lance Ayrault, president and CEO of Flexcar. "Carsharing is a practical solution for combating urban congestion and helping the environment. San Francisco will benefit from the expansion of carsharing options in the area."

While new to San Francisco, Flexcar is not new to the industry. With roots dating back to Portland in 1998, Flexcar is credited with founding the carsharing industry in the United States. It also continues to lead the industry through groundbreaking partnerships with public sector agencies, including transit agencies, city, county and state governments in Washington, Oregon, California, and the District of Columbia, as well federal agencies, including the Department of Transportation, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Federal Highway Administration.

Today, more than 30,000 Flexcar members in seven major metropolitan areas have enjoyed the freedom of having a car without the cost and hassles of ownership -- including never having to pay for gas, mileage, parking and insurance. Communities are realizing the benefits of reduced congestion, air pollution and energy use, while increasing use of public transportation and contributing to sustainable communities.

"I truly believe San Francisco is a perfect environment for carsharing," said Beard. "Vast numbers of workers bear the high costs of commuting tremendous distances by car on a daily basis. Many more deal with the frustrations of access and cost for parking. And with gas prices showing no signs of decreasing, I feel we're at a tipping point, and more and more people will turn to Flexcar to meet their transportation needs."

Flexcar members now have on-demand access to a fleet of low-emission vehicles stationed throughout the City. Members reserve the vehicles via the Internet or phone for $9 an hour -- a fee that includes gas, mileage, parking and insurance. The company is taking membership applications now and is offering incentives via its website at: http://www.flexcar.com/sanfrancisco.

Initially, vehicles will be clustered in the City's downtown Financial District and, over time, placed in numerous neighborhoods, including North Beach, Civic Center and Pacific Heights. Substantial program benefits and discounted pricing from $7.20 per hour are being offered to business members, including free overnight hours and incentives for multi-city use. Because Flexcar operates nationally, individual and business members can use vehicles from Seattle to San Diego and in 37 other cities in 6 states from coast to coast -- with more locations being added soon. More information on Flexcar's San Francisco operation is available at www.flexcar.com or by calling 415-282-3539.

Flexcar founded the U.S. carsharing industry and now operates carsharing programs for more than 30,000 members in seven metropolitan areas, covering 37 cities in 5 states and the District of Columbia. With flexible pricing plans, 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 fleet includes sedans, gas-electric hybrids, and specialty vehicles, including pickups, AWD, minivans and convertibles. AOL Founder Steve Case and auto industry legend Lee Iacocca are investors/owners of Flexcar.

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