If you are a frequent traveler, you may have some experience using web apps like Airbnb that allow you to stay in someone else’s home, or have someone stay in your home, rather than a hotel. But have you ever pondered what it would be like if you could do the same thing only with your car? Mercedes-Benz is partnering with a San Francisco-based car sharing company, Getaround, to test out this area of opportunity.
According to Mercedes-Benz, car sharing, connectivity, electric propulsion and self-driving capabilities are the four pillars of future mobility. The automaker has been making moves in the latter three, which is made evident through the advanced technologies on new Mercedes-Benz cars as well as the launch of the EQ sub-brand. The development of a large scale car sharing program is the natural next step for the luxury automaker.
This car sharing program builds on Mercedes-Benz’s Car2Go, which allows people to essentially rent a car as they need it, whether that be for a few minutes or several hours. However, unlike Car2Go, this new car sharing program would allow individual car owners to lend out their personal vehicles for a fee. Teaming up with Getaround will give the automaker more insight into how such a program works, and whether or not there is a possibility for widespread success.
Renting your vehicle out to a complete stranger may seem a bit scary, but rest assured there are provisions in place–such as insurance coverage and driver background checks–to protect you and your luxury vehicle. Stay tuned for more information on this exciting development!
