Case Study

ZIPCAR Is Here To Stay

Case Study

Bobby Sims

Saint Leo University

MKT 301

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to show how the introduction of the Zipcar into society is more than likely going to grow into a lifestyle if it hasn’t already. The aspects explored are the facts and the growing popularity amongst its users and the potential it possesses. With the advent of an ever growing technology driven society and world, Zipcar finds a place right where it needs to be in the ride sharing industry and is destined to stay at the top.

Zipcar was created and founded in 1999 by two Cambridge, Massachusetts women, Antje Danielson and Robin Chase. One had a business administration degree while the other understood the technology and the market. They constructed a business plan and launcehed their first Zipcar debut in Boston and Cambridge in June of 2000. By February 2002, they had grew to having offices in Washington, D.C., and New York City. In February 2003, current CEO Scott Griffith replaced co-founder Robin Chase, however, Chase is still on the boar of directors for the company. By November 2006, Zipcar opened an office in London and vehicles became available for rental and usage on the streets internationally. In October 2007, they merged with a Seattle-based company and rival named Flexcar while still holding the name Zipcar and the headquarters of Cambridge staying the same. They go on in 2009 to announce an iPhone app that would allow potential users and customers check availability, locate Zipcars, unlock them and reserve them for use. They became the world’s largest car sharing service that year as well. They go on to buy out Streetcar in the U.K. in April of 2010. By doing this, they create a unified brand. Zipcar acquires CarSharing.at in Austria and expands its European presence. With its members growing at a rapid rate, AVIS Budget Group lets it be known that they intend on purchasing Zipcar and letting them operate as an Avis subsidiary while...