GoCar to launch share service for companies

IRISH car-sharing company GoCar is to launch a new corporate service allowing businesses to offer a pool car to employees or clients.

The new service, which will utilise an increasing number of electric vehicles, will give companies dedicated access to vehicles for office hours but allow those vehicles to be rented at evenings and weekends to local businesses and residents.

GoCar, a subsidiary of car rental company Europcar, last year invested €3m in growing its consumer-focused business. It now offers over 400 vehicles across 300 locations in 15 counties to its 30,000 members here.

A similar amount is likely to be invested this year in new services, including the corporate service and a new long-distance sharing model for consumers, it is understood.

A small number of companies are already taking part in a pilot scheme with GoCar and it plans to have up to 100 corporate shared cars and vans in operation by the end of the year.

“The market is moving very quickly but GoCar has doubled its fleet year-on-year since 2015, so we’re ready to invest to capitalise on potential growth,” said GoCar managing director Colm Brady, adding that the new service would reduce taxi, fleet and short-term rental expenses.