Wrap Up a Car This Holiday Season

12 December 2000

Wrap Up a Car This Holiday Season; Give A Gift That Provides Wheels When You Want Them

    CAMBRIDGE, Mass.--Dec. 11, 2000--Looking for an unusual stocking stuffer? How about a car? Zipcar -- the company that provides a viable alternative to owning or leasing an automobile in urban settings -- is offering gift certificates for the city slickers on your holiday list who need wheels, but only once in a while.
    The member-based firm offers affordable 24-hour access to new cars for short-term, round-trip use. Zipcar gift certificates could put your friends or family in the driver's seat of a new Volkswagen without the expense, hassle and headaches associated with car ownership or leasing.
    Zipcar recommends a $68.00 trial membership, which covers the application fee and includes $50.00 in driving credit. Gift certificates covering full membership are also available. You can also provide current members with extra driving miles by purchasing gift certificates in any denomination.
    Current data indicates that it costs in excess of $8,000 to own, maintain, insure and park a car in Boston. According to Zipcar co-founder Robin Chase, city residents who use a car approximately 15 hours per month will pay just about $1,300 per year with Zipcar, less than most Bostonians pay per year for car insurance alone.
    Zipcar's fleet of 27 Volkswagen Beetles, Golfs and Passats are parked or garaged in accessible, permanent and convenient spots throughout the South End, Back Bay, Beacon Hill, Cambridge, the North End, Jamaica Plain, Somerville and Brookline. Zipcars are located within a few blocks of most members' homes or offices and are within walking distance of public transportation. Two cars are being added to the fleet each week to keep up with demand.
    Convenience is a top priority for Zipcar members, and the company has been recognized by consumers for demonstrating a commitment to the highest level of service. Cars can be reserved online or by telephone and proximity card access makes using Zipcar as quick and easy as getting cash from an ATM. Zipcar handles all the details involved with parking, car maintenance, cleaning and insurance. The company even pays for gas.
    You don't even have to brave the mall to purchase a Zipcar gift certificate, which can be personalized with a special holiday greeting and emailed directly to the giver or the recipient. Just visit the Zipcar website www.zipcar.com for the rules of the road or call (617) 491-9900.