Environmental Press Releases
JULY 21, 2010 (RALEIGH, N.C.) - WeCar, a car-sharing program by Enterprise Rent-A-Car, is officially launching today in downtown Raleigh, thanks to the support of the Downtown Living Advocates (DLA) and the Glenwood Agency. The open-membership car-sharing solution is a first for Raleigh, and provides downtown residents and businesses with a convenient, sustainable and cost-effective transportation option.
Mayor Charles Meeker and Raleigh Planning Director Mitch Silver announced the WeCar launch at the Enterprise Rent-A-Car branch at 431 S. McDowell St. in Raleigh - where one of the vehicles is available for use by WeCar members.
"Providing a car-sharing option to the residents and business community in downtown Raleigh is another step toward achieving our mission of supporting balanced and sustainable growth for downtown," said Mayor Meeker. "Offering residents and downtown workers an efficient and convenient transportation solution through WeCar makes using other methods of transportation a more viable option for day-to-day commuting."
The WeCar vehicles, two Honda Civics, will be parked at the Enterprise location and at 413 N. Harrington Street. Based on the growth of the program and usage patterns of the cars, Enterprise anticipates that more vehicles will be added at convenient locations throughout downtown. Membership is open to all licensed drivers 21 years of age and older who meet the terms and conditions of use of the program. Additionally, the program - from application to reservation - is totally automated and can be done online.
"Affordability remains an issue for residents choosing to live downtown. Car sharing offers a cost-effective method of transportation, and allows many residents the option of foregoing the expense of owning a second car," said Brian Reece DLA President.
For businesses, WeCar can reduce fleet costs and overall emissions while also supporting their sustainability initiatives. WeCar car-sharing vehicles in the United States are supported by local Enterprise Rent-A-Car business rental programs as well as by Enterprise's vast network of more than 5,000 neighborhood car rental branches, which are located within 15 miles of 90 percent of the U.S. population.
Ann-Cabell Baum Andersen, owner of The Glenwood Agency, is sponsoring the initial WeCar launch. "I'm confident other downtown businesses will want to join me in supporting a car-sharing program that provides alternative transportation options for their employees," said Baum Andersen. "The people in the downtown Raleigh community have always supported my business and I wanted to give back to the community. What better way than to help launch a car-share program?"
In addition to downtown residents and employees, car-sharing can also be a solution for college students who do not have a car on campus or do not want to deal with the hassles and expense of parking. "We look forward to the growth of this program, and to working with local universities to bring WeCar to their faculty, staff and students," said Adam Schneider, regional vice president for Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Raleigh.
WeCar operates customized car-sharing programs throughout the U.S. and is currently providing programs for corporate campuses, universities and municipal governments in 17 states. Raleigh is the third WeCar program to offer open-membership; similar programs are in place in St. Louis and Nashville, Tenn.
"Based on our experience with dedicated-use car sharing, we anticipate there will be businesses and employees who are interested in developing a program of their own," said Ryan Johnson, assistant vice president, WeCar. "We've created similar programs in other markets, and we look forward to serving the needs of those in Raleigh as well."
In addition to signing up online at www.wecar.com, attendees at this evening's DLA mixer can also join WeCar. The event is tonight, July 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. is at The Mint Restaurant, 219 Fayetteville St., Downtown Raleigh.
About the Downtown Living Advocates (DLA)
The Downtown Living Advocates (DLA) is a citizen group, focused on issues of interest to residents of Downtown Raleigh. The group was formed in May of 2009 by a group of residents motivated by a desire to lend their voices to shaping the growth and character of Downtown Raleigh.
About WeCar
WeCar car-sharing provides a totally automated, membership-based and environmentally friendly transportation solution, whether it is for an hour, a day, a weekend or longer. Convenient and cost-effective, WeCar vehicles are accessible round-the-clock. Enterprise Holdings, headquartered in St. Louis, operates the WeCar and Enterprise Rent-A-Car brands through its regional subsidiaries and with a well-established track record for making "virtual cars" convenient and affordable for those who prefer to "buy for the need and rent for the exception." As a result, Enterprise Rent-A-Car launched hourly car rentals in 2005 and local car-sharing in 2007 as a natural extension of its business rental program and longtime focus on customized service in communities - including the Enterprise Rideshare program, serving both individual vanpool groups and large employer work sites. Today, WeCar offers mostly hybrids and plug-in vehicles, delivering car-sharing technology's speed, efficiency and economy nationwide to businesses, universities and government offices looking to enhance their fleet management operations and sustainability initiatives.
For more information about WeCar - part of the most comprehensive service provider in the car rental industry - visit www.WeCar.com. For more information about WeCar's environmental stewardship and long-term commitment to the sustainability of the car rental and car sharing business, visit www.enterpriseholdings.com/sustainability. This news release and other WeCar announcements are available at the Enterprise Holdings press room.
For more information, contact:Lisa Martini, Enterprise Rent-A-Car
314-512-2352, lisa.martini@ehi.com
Bobby Jones, Fleishman-Hillard
314-982-0555, bobby.jones@fleishman.com
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