Corporate Communications Manager
Cambridge - MA United States
The big idea: In 25 words or less, please tell us how this Fast 50 Nominee is helping to address the planet's problems.
Zipcar forces people to think differently about daily transportation needs and impact by replacing car ownership with convenient, cost-effective cars-on-demand by the hour or day.
Please describe how this nominee is using business as a force of positive change. What technology, idea, or strategy is the nominee using -- and what problem, such as global warming, poverty, or pollution, does it address? (suggested length: 100 words)
Zipcar brings car sharing to urban residents, college students and businesses in more than 50 cities nationwide. The convenience of the self-service model, using the Internet, mobile technology, text messaging and RFID-enabled cards puts members in control of when, where and what car they drive.
Zipcar takes vehicles off of urban grids, which helps both the environment, and to alleviate traffic congestion. In the wake of rising gas prices and concerns about the economy, Zipcar complements existing urban transportation, filling the gap between public transit and car ownership, by providing an alternative to the costs, inconveniences, and environmental impacts of personal car ownership.
What are the results, both financial and social? How has the nominee's business performed, and what impact has it had on the problem it addresses? (suggested length: 100 words)
In just five years, Zipcar has gone from a $2 million niche service to an expected $100 million mainstream business this year. The company currently operates 5,000 cars for 200,000+ members in the US, Canada and UK.
Simply put, Zipcar is a proven solution to reducing car ownership and vehicle miles traveled. Upon joining, 2/3 of Zipcar members report getting rid of a car or changing a purchasing decision. Members report driving 2,200 miles fewer per year, meaning at current membership rates, members will save 16+ million gallons of gasoline and prevent 300+ million pounds of CO2 from going into the atmosphere during 2008.
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