New car share scheme to see parked cars offered for hire

Car HireA brand new car hire scheme due to be launched in the New Year will signal the introduction of a very different model of car hire in cities whereby car owners will be able to offer their vehicle for rent when they’re not using them.

Two of the UK’s leading business brain, easyjet.com founder Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou and Lastminute.com founder Brent Hoberman, are behind the new car sharing scheme which will first be introduced in London in the spring under the easycar brand.

A pool of 1,000 cars will be used in the first trial of the new car rental scheme which will take place in the spring of 2012 in the London area. Customers wishing to hire a vehicle through the new facility will be able to book their car rental using a smartphone application. Through they app they’ll be able to view the cars available for hire in their area, and process their booking.

The bosses behind the new car sharing scheme believe the service could be the future of car hire in cities as it will offer a cheaper alternative to traditional car hire, and also enable car owners to make extra money from their vehicle while they’re not in use. With the current uncertain state of the economy, the two founders believe the time is right to launch a service of this nature which is both affordable and eco friendly.