Chart 1: The Growth of Carsharing Membership and total shared vehicles (North America & Europe), 2009 - 2016
A new report from the consulting firm Frost & Sullivan says people are sharing cars more than ever:
The economic recession that started in Dec 2007 in the United States had a huge impact on the global automotive industry. Consumers were forced to be cognizant of fuel efficiency and transit costs. While vehicle manufacturers focus on the development of fuel efficient vehicles, such as hybrids and EVs, alternative mobility services are receiving attention.
Among these services is carsharing, a sustainable and innovative personal mobility solution that is a rising star. The carsharing industry grew significantly in the past two years, showed great potential, and implied huge business opportunities for the stakeholders.
Carsharing is a mode of transport where vehicles are owned by a separate firm or an organization, and shared amongst a number of people throughout the day. Carsharing can also be considered an organized short-term car rental where users access a firm's vehicles maintained in a close network of vehicle locations called "Pods". Starting in Europe, carsharing came to North America in 1994 as an alternative solution to meet the mobility gaps between public transit, taxi, bike, car rental, and private vehicle travel. Carsharing provides its members with the benefits of private cars without the costs and responsibilities of ownership.
The two major social benefits of carsharing are fewer vehicles on the road and lower emissions. Research from Frost & Sullivan estimates that, on average, each shared vehicle replaced 15 personally owned vehicles in 2009 and carsharing members drove 31% less than when they owned a personal vehicle. These two factors translate into 482,170 fewer tons of CO2 emissions and less travel congestion in urban areas.
Consumers benefit from carsharing by being relieved of ownership costs. Frost & Sullivan research shows that an average car owner who drives 12,000 miles a year at an average driving speed of 30 miles per hour can save US$ 1,834 by shifting to a carsharing service. Commuters who drive less than 12,000 miles can save more.
Those benefits, plus the influence of the economic recession and the increasingly stringent global greenhouse gas emissions regulations, fostered the growth of carsharing in both North America and Europe. Between 2007 and 2009, carsharing membership rose by 117% in North America.
The trend is expected to continue over the next 5 to 10 years. According to Frost & Sullivan research, carsharing membership is expected to reach 4.4 million in North America and 5.5 million in Europe by 2016. Chart 1 shows the growth trends of carsharing membership and total shared vehicles.
The second half of the summary, which explores the business opportunity presented by carsharing, is also worth reading. Is carsharing a new idea for you, and you'd like to learn more? Check out Jill Suttie's "How to Share a Car."
Thanks for the tip, Good magazine!
Comments
Neal Gorenflo wrote on 11.23.10, 12:54pm:
Cool idea Sepp. Peer-to-peer carsharing is definitely gaining ground, and even a new law enabling it was passed in California recently:
http://shareable.net/blog/californias-p2p-carsharing-bill-signed-into-law
RelayRides, Getaround, Whipcar, and Spride are a few of the leaders. But as far as I know, no one has used a point system to reward users.
Paulin Dementhon wrote on 12.19.10, 11:32am:
In France, check out www.voiturelib.com : peer-to-peer carsharing, we're really starting to see big traction
Techsavvy wrote on 01.23.11, 12:23am:
There are more interesting players in this space, found it in wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peer-to-peer_car_rental
Jerry wrote on 05.24.11, 8:10pm:
Apart from car sharing, car pooling is also another economical way to reduce the household expenses. On top of that, they also benefit the environment with lesser carbon emissions.
Paul Archer wrote on 06.08.11, 7:35pm:
This is brilliant. I was reading an earlier article of cars haring and then thought I must see how it is working. By the look of this graph it is doing very well. Can anyone tell me if there is age restrictions and or where I might find simple guidelines?
harry wrote on 06.17.11, 1:46am:
Norge
This was a really outstanding post. In theory I'd like to compose like this too - taking time and real effort to make a solid article...
Peter Mould wrote on 06.26.11, 8:35pm:
The slow take off with car sharing would be the most frustrating aspect of modern work and life balance. It amazes me that car sharing is just beginning to become a normal part of the working community.
Peter Mould - BMW Servicing Essex
koko wrote on 08.24.11, 8:38pm:
A good initiative!
Peter Drew wrote on 10.18.11, 10:36am:
Is it possible that carsharing can reduce the possibility that the increasing number of traffic accidents today. Many reports have shown that drivers who drive their car alone most likely are involved with these types of accidents compared to those with other persons or passengers in the car. If this is the case, then you can try carsharing or try to get a public transport service yourself. @ Fleetmatics
This article brings an idea to mind:
Why not organize car sharing in the same way let's say couch surfing is organized.
Anyone who's got a car that stands idle can offer it for visitors to use. Sharing one's car earns one "points" to obtain the use of a car somewhere else, if and when needed.
Car-surfing anyone?