Flexcar Sets One-Day Record for Usage; ''Free Gas'' Driving Increases in Membership, Usage

SEATTLE--May 1, 2006--Flexcar reported that Saturday, April 29th, set a single-day record for nationwide usage of its vehicles - surpassing a previous single-day usage mark set only two weeks ago. Increased gas prices are also spurring new records for monthly usage, weekly usage, and a sharp increase in new memberships. Local usage records have been set in recent days in Seattle; Washington, DC; Portland; and San Francisco.

"It's no surprise that more people are turning to Flexcar, with gas zooming over $3 a gallon," said Lance Ayrault, Flexcar President and CEO. "Flexcar members don't pay for gas - we do. As gas prices soar, we expect membership and usage of Flexcar to continue to rise." Ayrault added, "We're responding to this increasing demand for Flexcar by adding more vehicles in our existing markets, and expanding to new markets this year."

Flexcar's innovative program provides its members with on-demand access to a fleet of low emission vehicles, including gas/electric hybrids, pickup trucks, AWDs and minivans conveniently located throughout seven major metro areas, including Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco, Chicago and Washington, D.C. Members reserve vehicles via the Internet or touchtone phone for use by the hour. A simple hourly fee includes gas, insurance, unlimited miles, maintenance, parking and 24-7 emergency service.

The rise in gas prices highlights the costs associated with car ownership. People who own cars typically don't factor in the costs of maintenance, insurance and parking when they determine the cost of their car. When gas prices get too high, it is an impetus for them to more closely factor their costs.

The increase in Flexcar use is also fueled in part by the increasing number of commuters turning to public transit instead of their car. With cars located in garages and street lots at and nearby many office towers, Flexcar members now have a "car at the office" without driving to the office. Riding transit to save money and time, commuters can still use Flexcar for business meetings or personal errands during the workday. Flexcar allows people to save money not only on fuel but also parking.

Since launching the US carsharing industry in 1998, Flexcar has won numerous awards and commendations for reducing congestion, air pollution and energy use, and increasing use of public transit while contributing to sustainable communities. Research from Flexcar as well as independent entities has clearly shown that carsharing programs take cars off the road, reduce annual miles traveled and increase the use of public transit. These studies indicate that roughly 60 percent of members have either sold or decided not to purchase a vehicle because of the program, thus removing thousands of vehicles and thousands of tons of emissions from circulation.

About Flexcar

Flexcar founded the U.S. car-sharing industry and now operates car-sharing programs for more than 35,000 members in seven metropolitan areas, covering 37 cities in 6 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, 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 board members and investors/owners of Flexcar.