Nissan tests out digital-focused car sharing in Europe
The automaker plans to use data analytics to match compatible co-owners.
Owning a car can be a right pain in the butt. Why not share those miseries with total strangers? That's the idea behind Nissan 's latest car-sharing program, Intelligent Get & Go Micra.
Nissan will run a pilot version of its car-sharing program later this year in Paris. Intelligent Get & Go Micra will use data analytics to group together users based on "complementary driving needs." Ideally, that would mean your car is available for you nearly every time you need it. As with other car-sharing schemes, pricing is based on how much you drive the car.
Intelligent Get & Go Micra is meant to be an entirely digital affair, from invoicing to securing the vehicle for personal use. As the program name suggests, Nissan will offer up its brand new Micra compact car for this program, a model we don't get here in the US.
"We are moving toward a future where car usage may be more flexible, social and shared.," said Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn in a statement. "At Nissan, we're pioneering new ways to allow drivers to enjoy the freedom and financial benefits of shared car ownership."
As society moves to adopt driverless cars, it's important to revisit the idea of car ownership. There's no need to pay for a whole car if it sits unused most of the time, especially if we're trying to cut down on congestion and pollution.
Nissan is far from the first automaker to dabble in car sharing. BMW's had great success with its own car-sharing operation, ReachNow, and Audi just rolled out a pilot program of its own in North Carolina. Toyota's getting in on the fun, as well, with its recent investment in Getaround.
