Latest Expansion Will Unite the Community of Austin to Reduce Traffic, Emissions and Cost of Car Ownership While Providing Residents a Variety of Car Choices
AUSTIN, TEXAS— March 06, 2012 — Leading peer-to-peer car sharing company Getaround today announced its official launch in Austin, Texas. This announcement closely follows the company's February launch in the greater Portland metropolitan area with a $1.7 million federal grant and expands its reach to four major cities. Additionally, Getaround was recently recognized by business research and consulting firm Frost & Sullivan as the leader in the peer-to-peer car sharing market for its business model, innovation in technology and leadership in the industry.
"Our goal when we founded Getaround was to empower people to share cars everywhere," said Getaround co-founder and CEO, Sam Zaid. "Car sharing requires consumers to think differently and the viability of car sharing hinges on community. Our members like that Getaround connects them with people who share similar community values and interests. With this in mind we've carefully selected the markets in which we've entered thus far and are proud to be in Austin."
With Getaround, residents of Austin will now be able to put their idle assets to work, stimulating the local economy while decreasing their carbon footprint. The eco-friendly, collaborative solution helps unclog traffic and reduce emissions by assisting residents in sharing existing resources.
Getaround will join the local collaborative consumption space in Austin. Collaborative consumption describes the rapid explosion in swapping, sharing, bartering, trading and renting being reinvented through the latest technologies and peer-to-peer marketplaces in ways and on a scale never possible before.
In addition to announcing its service in Austin, Jessica Scorpio, co-founder and Director of Marketing at Getaround, will be speaking at the city's SXSW conference. As a part of the "Launching Companies in Regulated Industries" panel, she will highlight ways to combat the variety of issues faced by technology start-ups launching in regulated industries.
Getaround will also be co-hosting a party with Airbnb and Vayable:
Theme: Back to the Future: An Airbnb, Vayable, Getaround Party
Location: The Madison, 307 West 5th Street, Austin, 78701
Date: Friday, March 9th, 7pm-10pm
SIGNUP AND HELP SPREAD THE NEWS
Share: 4 cities in less than a year? @Getaround continues growth with a launch in #Austin.
Signup: Getaround is totally free for renters and car owners to join with no membership fees. Get answers to frequently asked questions and sign up at https://www.getaround.com.
About Getaround
Getaround empowers people to safely share cars by the hour, day, or week through a trusted online marketplace. By providing the Getaround Carkit, in-car technology designed in-house, as well as complete insurance up to $1,000,000 backed by Berkshire Hathaway, Getaround helps to create a seamless and fun sharing experience. Getaround is free to join, and for as little as $3 an hour, members can conveniently rent nearby cars and save money on auto payments, insurance and maintenance. Owners share cars ranging from a Toyota to a Tesla, offsetting the high cost of car ownership, while making a positive impact on the environment. Visit https://www.getaround.com for more information.