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This already exists as GetAround and I used it all the time when I was in San Francisco. Similar pricing to ZipCar, but I found that there was typically better

This already exists as GetAround and I used it all the time when I was in San Francisco. Similar pricing to ZipCar, but I found that there was typically better options/availability (YMMV). The other big plus was that I was able to get approved by GetAround within something like 24hrs, where ZipCar I had to wait to get my key delivered (~2 weeks) or pickup my key at their office (during business hours only). https://www.getaround.com/ https://www.getaround.com/

blazespin 10y ago
It's different when the manufacturers get behind it though. Cut out the middle man.
- mrdrozdov 10y ago
  I suppose BMW would be the middle man? I have a hard time envisioning how a manufacturer provided service would be better than a neutral party since GetAround can provide the same service for all brands of cars. GetAround already provides a lot of useful features to participants such as remotely unlocking cars (that way you can keep your key inside for guests) and monitoring the location (primarily for the guest to find your car in the first place when it's inevitably parked randomly on the street).
bduerst 10y ago
Yep, and if anything, BMW is going to struggle because it's yet another asset sharing service. They'll likely get some BMW fans and aficionados, but given the small marketshare that BMW holds, most users are not going to use this as their go-to for getting a car.
- r00fus 10y ago
  Could it turn out to be something similar to AirBnB where it starts out as niche and blossoms from there? Other thing - if you look at this service as a marketing channel to sell more BMW vehicles... then it doesn't really have to be a dominant service.
  - mrdrozdov 10y ago
    > if you look at this service as a marketing channel to sell more BMW vehicles... I think that's almost certainly what it is. Getting a BMW is a status symbol or a dream for many early drivers. There are lots of ways to get a beamer for cheap, certified pre-owned being a well known one. Maybe being an Uber driver is another way people have tried to finance their cool purchase, but this channel seems like a much more direct one.
- deckar01 10y ago
  I could see BMW tayloring these vehicles for existing car rental services. Keys are the least convenient part of a car rental. Removing a physical barrier to entry could provide a real edge to sway impulsive customers.
  - bduerst 10y ago
    So essentially Zipcar, but with less cars.

blazespin 10y ago

It's different when the manufacturers get behind it though. Cut out the middle man.

mrdrozdov 10y ago
I suppose BMW would be the middle man? I have a hard time envisioning how a manufacturer provided service would be better than a neutral party since GetAround can provide the same service for all brands of cars. GetAround already provides a lot of useful features to participants such as remotely unlocking cars (that way you can keep your key inside for guests) and monitoring the location (primarily for the guest to find your car in the first place when it's inevitably parked randomly on the street).

bduerst 10y ago

Yep, and if anything, BMW is going to struggle because it's yet another asset sharing service. They'll likely get some BMW fans and aficionados, but given the small marketshare that BMW holds, most users are not going to use this as their go-to for getting a car.

r00fus 10y ago
Could it turn out to be something similar to AirBnB where it starts out as niche and blossoms from there? Other thing - if you look at this service as a marketing channel to sell more BMW vehicles... then it doesn't really have to be a dominant service.
- mrdrozdov 10y ago
  > if you look at this service as a marketing channel to sell more BMW vehicles... I think that's almost certainly what it is. Getting a BMW is a status symbol or a dream for many early drivers. There are lots of ways to get a beamer for cheap, certified pre-owned being a well known one. Maybe being an Uber driver is another way people have tried to finance their cool purchase, but this channel seems like a much more direct one.
deckar01 10y ago
I could see BMW tayloring these vehicles for existing car rental services. Keys are the least convenient part of a car rental. Removing a physical barrier to entry could provide a real edge to sway impulsive customers.
- bduerst 10y ago
  So essentially Zipcar, but with less cars.