Oh Canada! Zipcar Goes International, Launching Service in Toronto

Largest U.S. car sharing service brings Canadians convenient, cost-effective alternative to high gas prices and car ownership

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., May 9 -- On the heels of unprecedented growth and rapid expansion in San Francisco and throughout the United States, Zipcar, consistently recognized for offering the leading car sharing experience, is bringing its service across the border. Currently operating in metropolitan areas across 10 U.S. states, Zipcar today announced that it is launching its car sharing service in Toronto to provide Toronto residents and businesses with a convenient, cost-effective and green alternative to car ownership. In the company's first venture outside the U.S., Zipcar plans to launch 50 conveniently located Zipcars throughout Toronto neighborhoods by the end of May. Metro Toronto residents and businesses can now sign up for the service at http://www.zipcar.com/.

Unlike car rental companies that primarily serve out-of-town visitors, Zipcar's car sharing service provides significant environmental and economic benefits to the people who live, work and play in Toronto. By freeing local individuals and businesses from the shackles of car ownership, Zipcar, as it has in other urban markets, will make a positive impact on the affordability and environmental quality of life in Toronto, reducing parking demands, traffic congestion and greenhouse emissions and replacing older vehicles with newer cars that have more stringent pollution controls. Recent studies by Zipcar and government transportation agencies indicate that each Zipcar takes 20 privately owned vehicles off the road. Zipcar members also report they save an average of $435 USD per month, drive significantly less each year compared to owning a vehicle in an urban setting and increase their usage of public transportation resources by more than 47%.

According to Zipcar CEO Scott Griffith, the Toronto launch marks a milestone for the company, but is only a part of aggressive expansion plans to bring Zipcar to many new markets within the next five years. "We're proud to be part of the Toronto community, and delighted that Toronto, a world class city, is our first international market," he said. "As we have proven in San Francisco and all of our cities, Zipcar has the technology, the team, the award winning user experience and the expertise to improve and transform communities throughout North America by offering drivers a fun, affordable and environmentally-friendly alternative to car ownership."

Over the past year, Zipcar realized a 100%+ increase in members and vehicles and became the first car sharing service in North America to attain profitability in all of its markets. Zipcar has the largest active membership base of any car sharing service, with more than 55,000 members and 1,500 vehicles in 11 states and provinces. In San Francisco, where the company recently launched service in September, Zipcar has emerged as the largest car sharing service with thousands of individuals and businesses embracing Zipcar as an alternative to increasingly high transportation costs.

To celebrate the launch of this new city, Toronto residents can now join Zipcar at http://www.zipcar.com/ for only $85 CAD. As a thank you for joining, and for a limited time, Zipcar will also include $50 CAD in free driving so that urbanites can "kick the tires" of car sharing and experience first hand why sharing is better than owning. Rates in Toronto start at $9.50 CAD per hour and $60 CAD per day (any 24 hour period), with gas, parking and comprehensive insurance included. Special business rates are also available for small to large-sized companies looking for a more convenient and cost-effective way of providing transportation for their employees. To join, residents simply need to have a valid drivers license, be 21+ and meet safe driving standards. Additionally, every Zipcar reservation includes 150 free kilometers and there are never any monthly fees, costly deposits or hidden charges.

About Zipcar

With more than 55,000 consumer and business drivers, Zipcar is North America's largest car sharing service. The company currently operates 1,500 vehicles in 11 states and provinces, including metropolitan New York, Boston, San Francisco, Minneapolis, Toronto and Washington, DC. With Zipcar's technology, accessing and using a Zipcar is as easy as getting cash from an ATM. In minutes or up to a year in advance, members can reserve Zipcars online or by phone, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Zipcar members have automated access to Zipcars using a "Zipcard" to simply unlock the door and drive away. With Zipcar, gas, parking and insurance are always included. For more information, visit http://www.zipcar.com/.