The smart “car2go edition” vehicles, developed in collaboration by car2go and smart in Germany, are the world’s first series-produced automobiles designed and manufactured specifically for car sharing. Every car2go vehicle is outfitted with a solar roof and innovative telematics hardware, including an onboard computer with an easy-to-use touch screen with radio and GPS controls. The smart “car2go edition” vehicles for Vancouver are provided by Mercedes-Benz Canada and its Vancouver Retail Group.
A network of 225 fuel-efficient, low-emission smart “car2go edition” vehicles will be available to Vancouver car2go members as of June 2011. Starting today until May 29, 2011, Vancouver residents can pre-register for their car2go membership without having to pay the registration fee (a $35 CAD value) at www.car2govancouver.com using Promo Code: VAN, or in person at the car2go office at 45 Water Street in the Gastown area of downtown Vancouver.
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| Photo: Mercedes-Benz |
car2go Test Run Successfully Completed
car2go conducted a trial assessment of its service in Vancouver from June 2010 to March 2011 with select test users from well-known and respected local organizations like Wavefront, the Vancouver Public Library, the Vancouver Film School and Bard on the Beach. The assessment was used to validate and refine business processes and technical systems prior to the large-scale rollout. The strong support for the car2go model throughout the pilot helped cement Vancouver as the first Canadian city for this unique service.
“Vancouver is a dynamic, progressive city committed to smart urban living and sustainable transit,” said Nicholas Cole, President and CEO of car2go Canada Ltd. “The Mayor and his staff, the City Council and the participants in our trial assessment were central to our planning process. We would not be here without the valuable insights and guidance of these dedicated forward-thinkers. We’re confident everyone will find car2go an easy, cost-effective and environmentally responsible way to get around Vancouver.”
Join car2go, Support Canuck Place Children’s Hospice
In addition to waiving registration fees for the next 30 days, car2go will also donate two dollars from every annual membership fee to Canuck Place Children’s Hospice over the course of the next 12 months. Canuck Place Children’s Hospice provides specialized paediatric palliative care for children living with a life-threatening illness and support for their families throughout British Columbia.
"Canuck Place relies on the generosity of individuals, corporations and various organizations to raise approximately 80 percent of its operating costs,” said Robyn Zylstra, Head of Community Partnerships for Canuck Place. “With the support of car2go, Canuck Place can continue to provide world-class paediatric palliative care to more than 400 children and their families.”
“Canuck Place Children’s Hospice is a recognized global leader in its field and a living example of how Vancouverites work together to support community needs. We applaud their accomplishments and are honoured to give car2go members the opportunity to help Canuck Place Children’s Hospice,” said Cole. “We look forward to being good neighbours in this community for a long time to come.”