Zipcar Launches in Pittsburgh

PITTSBURGH--Following its October merger with Flexcar, Zipcar today announced it has completed integration of the two services under the Zipcar service and brand, launching in six new states and bringing its service to Pittsburgh. The number of Zipcar members worldwide, which includes the US, Canada and London, now totals 180,000, with 5,000 cars in the Zipcar fleet. In Pittsburgh, Zipcar has 34 vehicles located in Downtown, Oakland, Shadyside/East Liberty, Squirrel Hill, and Bloomfield.

Zipcar brings more benefits to the enlarged member base, including a larger network of vehicles from which to choose and service operating solely under Zipcar’s enhanced, proprietary technology. In Pittsburgh, Zipcar offers members a diverse fleet of vehicles for every use, including MINI Coopers for a road trip to Mt. Washington, Hybrid Toyota Prius’ for a trip to the grocery and soon – Volvos with minimized branding, perfect for picking up a client from the airport.

Zipcar’s system allows members to reserve online, by phone, or through their favorite web-enabled mobile device. The Zipcar service also has a text messaging capability, allowing members to extend reservations via SMS. Zipcar’s optimized technology gives it the ability to more adequately manage and scale the fleet across many markets. With systems updated in 2007, Zipcar can manage its fleet and reservation system in real time for more than a million members and tens of thousands of cars.

“With integration complete, we can see that the combined company is able to do more than either could independently,” said Mark Norman, President & Chief Operating Officer, Zipcar. “Our cars are ready for Pittsburgh’s residents to drive, and we are prepared to scale our business in existing markets while bringing cars on demand to more cities throughout the US, Canada, and Europe.”

The integration touched on many areas of the company, including Zipcar’s technology, fleet, membership, marketing and pricing. The technology was flawlessly transferred to the Zipcar system, with no down time in member services, and minimal down time for the vehicle fleet. All marketing, including new visor organizers, vehicle branding, and consumer and business marketing materials, were integrated under the Zipcar brand. Also, pricing is now consistent under Zipcar’s simple pricing plans for occasional and frequent drivers. Cars in Pittsburgh start at $9 per hour, and only $66 per day.

About Zipcar

Zipcar is the world’s leading car-sharing service with more than 180,000 members and 5,000 vehicles in urban areas and college campuses throughout 26 North American states and provinces as well as in London, England. As a leader in urban transportation, Zipcar offers more than 30 makes and models of self-service vehicles by the hour or day to savvy city residents and businesses looking for an alternative to the high costs and hassles of owning a car in the city. In October 2007, Zipcar announced a merger with Washington D.C.-based Flexcar, immediately expanding operations to more than 50 cities, and enabling future growth into new markets across the United States, Canada, and Europe. For more information, visit Zipcar.com.