car2go North America LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Daimler North America, will launch its unique point-to-point carsharing model in Minneapolis on Sept. 14, making it the first Midwestern city to feature car2go. A network of 300 car2go edition smart fortwo vehicles will be available for shared use in the metropolitan Minneapolis area, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Registration for membership opens today at Minneapolis.car2go.com. car2go’s revolutionary model combining on-street parking with one-way trips offers flexibility and convenience to Minneapolis’ existing modes of transportation.

“Carshare providers, like car2go, provide yet another way for Minneapolis residents to get around our city without having to rely on owning their own cars,” said Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak. “I have talked a lot about reweaving the urban fabric for our city to continue to grow and this is another creative way to give people from all neighborhoods access to all parts of our city.”

“Minneapolis’ vibrant and progressive culture creates a community of residents accustomed to innovation,” said Nicholas Cole, president and CEO of car2go North America. “car2go’s free-floating, on-demand carsharing network will complement existing transportation options to connect residents and visitors to the many places and events unique to the City of Lakes.”     
   
The car2go Home Area, where members can pick up or drop off a car2go, covers an approximate 55 square mile area which mirrors the boundaries of the Minneapolis city limits. Those who register to become a car2go member will receive a membership card that will allow them to gain access to and drive in any of the 300 available car2go vehicles in Minneapolis, whenever they need it, for as long as they need it, without having to commit to a return time or designated location.

car2go is one of the fastest growing carsharing programs with over 400,000 registered members worldwide and a global market leader for point-to-point carsharing. Registered car2go members in the United States have the ability to use the car2go program in all eight U.S. car2go locations, including Minneapolis, Washington, D.C., Miami, Austin, Denver, San Diego, Portland and Seattle. Minneapolis will be the 11th car2go city in North America and the 23rd car2go city worldwide.