Is Mercedes Airbnb-Style Service the Future of Car Ownership?
The popular lodging service Airbnb has inspired those within Mercedes to offer a similar service to its Mercedes and Smart owners. The idea of having owners rent out their personal cars will first be introduced by Mercedes in San Francisco. Owners will set the available dates for their car, and Getaround, an existing drive-share service, would handle the initial launch. Cars would ultimately be fitted with modules that will allow the car to be unlocked and started via smart phone.
Would you be comfortable lending your Mercedes to a stranger, or trusting a journey in someone else’s car? Well, both owners and renters alike will be vetted to ensure only qualified and safe drivers are on the roster. Additionally, it would be safe to assume that the fleet of cars would have to meet qualifications for age, and functionality. Insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance is also included to ensure a very safe experience.
Mercedes is so convinced that car-sharing is part of the future, that they have elevated its importance to the same level of focus as connectivity and all-electric power. Could the future see that car ownership is no longer needed?
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Via [Motor Authority]
