New Car-sharing Programme Launched by BMW in Seattle

BMW Groups launches a new car-sharing program in Seattle, USA. The new brand name for this innovative service is “ReachNow”.

BMW once again leads the way in developing the individual mobility for the future. In Europe, the similar program is operating under the “DriveNow” name. The Seattle program begins with 370 BMW and MINI cars which will be available to provide futuristic services for the market there. A good 20% of the fleet is BMW i3 cars. The plan is to extend the program to more US cities in the future.

In an interview with BMW AG Management Board Chairman Harald Krüger a few weeks back, he says they are focusing on the NUMBER ONE > NEXT strategy to build the brand even more. Part of BMW’s plan in the next 100 years is to really focus on building mobility services that are customer oriented. The goal is to make mobility less complicated for consumers and to provide fast solutions to all mobility needs.

BMW AG Board Member Peter Schwarzenbauer reveals that they are all very excited to roll out more programs like these. It is a huge step towards futuristic development of the automotive industry. This is especially useful in metropolitan regions and big cities. They want to supplement their existing roster of cars with more services that will just makes people’s road experience a whole lot better.

What they’re really offering in Seattle is mobility that is “on demand”. Seattle residents can get mobility when they need it and fast. The first new service for Seattle in 2016 is delivery. The chosen car is delivered to the customer at the desired time which removes the need to have parking space, and even saves up time in preparing and walking to the car. This is a big help to people living in bustling cities like Seattle where parking is always a challenge. Other services include:

• Using the vehicle for a longer period through car rental and car sharing services.
• Closed group car-sharing.
• Renting out your own car via ReachNow
• Chauffeur Service – Car booking with a driver
• Easy registration via smartphone, and more.

All cars are charged at a rate of 0.49 USD for each minute of using the vehicle and a parking rate of 0.30 USD per minute. There is also a one-off registration fee of 29 USD. In the launch period, ReachNow only costs 0.41 USD for each minute the vehicle is used. Registration is free of charge. All prices include insurance, petrol, electricity, parking costs, taxes and fees.