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Zipcar, Nation's Largest Car Sharing
Service, to Launch 100 Vehicles; Becomes Largest Car Sharing Fleet in
Illinois With Plans for Rapid Growth

Historic Water Tower Park Event Celebrates Successful Launch, Unprecedented
State Grant and Member Tax Incentives
CHICAGO, IL (September 12, 2006) -- Zipcar
-- North America's largest and fastest growing car sharing service --
today becomes the largest car
sharing service in Illinois as its fleet of nearly 100 Zipcars is launched
in 14 city neighborhoods. The company will significantly increase its
fleet
by the end of 2006.
Zipcar also announced that it will match a $25,000 State of Illinois
grant, announced today to encourage car sharing in Illinois. This will
mean
a combined total of $50,000 in savings to be passed along to new Zipcar
members. The first 1,000 members to sign up for the Zipcar service will
each receive a $50 driving credit. In addition, the City of Chicago has
exempted car sharing from its tax on rental cars, demonstrating the city's
desire to help keep Zipcar's rates affordable.
To celebrate establishment of its successful launch and planned
expansion of its Midwest hub in Chicago, Zipcar is hosting a ceremony
today
at historic Water Tower Park, 806 North Michigan Avenue. A live trio will
set the tone playing classic Chicago Blues. Zipcar CEO Scott Griffith
will
be joined by state and city officials in heralding Zipcar -- urban
transportation's future -- and in cutting the green ribbon around an
18-wheeler stacked with fuel-efficient new Zipcars.
Zipcar's first vehicles are located throughout the city, parked near
transportation lines in 14 neighborhoods, including Lakeview, Wrigleyville,
Lincoln Park, Wicker Park/Bucktown, River North, River West, Hyde Park,
Old Town, the Gold Coast, and the UIC/Little Italy area. The fleet expansion
will place new cars in these neighborhoods, as well as bring cars to
additional neighborhoods currently underserved by car sharing and
transportation options. This rapid fleet expansion follows the recent
announcement that GE Commercial Finance Services has green-lighted $20
million in vehicle lease financing, supporting Zipcar's growth and enabling
Zipcar to source and roll out new vehicles more quickly and
cost-effectively.
"Our expansion plans will make more Zipcars available at more locations
where people live and work so Chicagoans can rely on us to make real
lifestyle changes," Griffith said. "Our members have easy access
to a
growing network of new fuel-efficient, fun vehicles. They can reserve
them
at low hourly rates that include gas, parking and insurance. Our goal
is to
encourage residents and businesses to rethink owning a car in the city."
"Gov. Blagojevich and I are happy Zipcar is expanding in Illinois,
which will provide residents and businesses with a unique, convenient
service, while reducing traffic congestion and fuel consumption, maximizing
our taxpayer's dollars and improving the quality of life. With our
assistance, we look forward to watching an increase of this car sharing
service and creating more opportunities and economic development in our
communities," said Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
Director Jack Lavin.
Sadhu Johnston, Commissioner of the City of Chicago Department of the
Environment and Assistant to the Mayor for Green Initiatives, noted that
the City of Chicago has exempted car sharing from its tax on rental cars
to
help keep Zipcar's rates affordable.
"Car sharing urbanites bike and walk more. Most increase routine
public
transit use by nearly 50% and then choose to use a Zipcar for other kinds
of driving trips," Johnston said. "This extensive network of
shared
vehicles will ease parking and traffic congestion and increase transit
use
while removing underutilized cars from neighborhood roads."
Nationally, Zipcar estimates it has taken over 25,000 personally owned
vehicles off the road. In recent surveys conducted by Zipcar as well as
through third-party research, it was found that nearly 40% of Zipcar
members sell their private vehicle or put off purchasing a car because
Zipcar's car sharing service is available in their neighborhoods.
Jerry Roper, President and CEO of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce,
said, "Studies show that Zipcar members, most of whom do not own
cars, save over $5,000/year versus car ownership and drive these vehicles
to go shopping or eat out in local neighborhoods around the city. More
discretionary income means that this new approach to urban living will
be a boon to local merchants."
Those wishing to attend the launch event should be present at 11:00
a.m. at the historic Water Tower Park, 806 North Michigan Avenue. Special
offers, discounts and prizes will be distributed to all attendees. Jack
Lavin, Sadhu Johnston and Jerry Roper will speak at this event.
About Zipcar
With 70,000 consumer and business drivers, Zipcar is North America's
largest car sharing service. The company currently operates over 1,800
vehicles in 12 states and provinces, including metro New York, Boston,
Chicago, San Francisco, Minneapolis, Toronto and Washington, DC. With
Zipcar's award-winning technology, accessing and using a Zipcar is as
easy
as getting cash from an ATM. In minutes or up to a year in advance, members
can reserve Zipcars online or by phone, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Zipcar members have automated access to any Zipcar across North America
using a "Zipcard" to simply unlock the door and drive away.
With Zipcar, gas, parking and insurance are always included. For more
information, visit www.zipcar.com.

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