Zipcar Showcases Alternatives to Skyrocketing Gas Prices by Hosting 'Innovation in Transportation' Fair

Event showcases GM's new hydrogen fuel cell vehicle, GEM electric vehicles, car sharing and other alternatives to car ownership and high costs at the pump

WASHINGTON, June 21 -- Zipcar, the largest car sharing service in Metro DC and North America, is bringing together transportation leaders from around the District and the world to offer a special sneak peek at new and future alternatives to the high costs of gas and car ownership. Zipcar is hosting the second annual Innovation in Transportation Fair on Thursday, June 22 from 3 to 8 PM at 8th Street between D and E Streets, NW. The event will allow local residents and business owners a unique chance to experience first-hand transportation alternatives currently available throughout Metro DC, as well as exciting new innovations likely to improve life for people who live, work and play in the region in the years to come.

As part of the Innovation in Transportation Fair, GM will showcase its new Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicle, offering visitors to the event test drives that demonstrate the fuel-efficiency and environmental benefits of hydrogen fuel cell technology. The Fair will also feature other fun and interactive displays, among which include:

  * GEM will display examples of their increasingly popular electrically
    powered vehicles

  * Capital Segway will provide test rides on the latest in Segway Human
    Transporters

  * Vespa DC will showcase their new line of fuel efficient Vespa motor
    scooters

  * The American Propane Council will display their propane-fueled vehicle
    as an example of new alternative fuel technology

  * Washington Area Bicycle Association (WABA) and Capitol Hill Bikes will
    give away a folding bike at the event to promote bicycling as a
    healthier and more environmentally-friendly way to commute to work

  * Zipcar leaders will discuss the environmental and community benefits of
    car sharing, while providing demonstrations of its award winning
    technology

Participants in the Innovation in Transportation Fair include Zipcar, GM Hydrogen Fuel Cell, D.C. Department Of Transportation (DDOT), GEM Electric Vehicles, The Downtown Business Improvement District (BID), Capital Segway, Vespa DC, The Washington Area Bicycle Association (WABA), Arlington Commuter Connections, The American Propane Council, Capitol Hill Bikes and the MS Society.

The Innovation in Transportation Fair occurs as more and more Americans are changing their transportation behaviors as a result of rising gas prices. A new survey of more than 2,300 Zipcar members, released last week, shows that 77 percent of respondents stated that rising gas prices influenced them to increase the frequency of their use of alternative transportation methods, including walking, biking, car sharing and public transportation. According to the survey, 86 percent of respondents also declared that they would continue to use these alternative modes of transportation, even if gas prices fall. Based on member responses, Zipcar also estimates that 81 percent of respondents will change driving behavior and seek alternatives to car ownership as gas prices rise to $4.00 per gallon, a near term possibility as prices tend to spike during summer travel months.

About Zipcar: With more than 60,000 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/.