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Zipcar Expands in Chicago


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Increases Fleet Size and Decreases Household Transportation Spending

CHICAGO, July 8, 2009; Zipcar, the world's largest car sharing service, announced today that after just three years of operation in Chicago, it has expanded its fleet to more than 400 vehicles in 140 locations, making car sharing and car shedding more convenient for Chicagoans. In the midst of a challenging economy, Zipcar also introduced lower pricing options for its Chicago fleet with select vehicles starting at $7 per hour. Many of the lower-priced vehicles are hybrid, offering the dual benefit of cost and carbon savings.

"Zipcar membership in Chicago is up nearly 50% since last year," said Mark Norman, President and COO of Zipcar. "Zipcar users report household spending on transportation of 6% versus the national average of 19%. The growing group of Zipcar members in Chicago has contributed to an estimated 10,000 fewer personally owned vehicles on Chicago's streets and more than $50 million saved by Chicago's Zipcar member households each year."

Recently, in response to Chicago member requests, Zipcar also equipped all of its Chicago vehicles with E-Z pass toll transponders and iPod plug-in jacks. Zipcar offers its members an effective combination of convenient, cost-saving benefits, including access to a national network, a variety of makes and models for virtually any errand or adventure, the inclusion of gas and the convenience of secure in-vehicle gas cards, 180 miles of driving, and the industry's only mobile reservation system.

"With hundreds of new members joining Zipcar Chicago each month, and each Zipcar replacing 20 personally owned cars, car sharing is now a major player in the city's transportation mix. Zipcar's leading brand, technology, award-winning customer service, and premier member experience will continue to be significant drivers for future growth," added Norman.

About Zipcar

Zipcar is the world's leading car-sharing service with 300,000 members and 6,500 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. More information is available at zipcar.com