Ford launches GoDrive car share in London

Automakers are increasingly looking to enter the expanding car-sharing industry and after BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Ford has become the latest manufacturer to enter the space with a new pilot program that launched in London.

The company's car-sharing service dubbed GoDrive was launched this week. It would allow users to rent cars and pay by the minute.

At launch, Ford is offering 50 cars across 20 locations and plans to expand and improve the programme on the basis of feedback it receives from its users.

The beta service would be available to the first 2,000 people to sign upwho should be a UK resident with a driver's license, a good driving record and an iPhone.

GoDrive has on offer several unique features that set it apart from other car-sharing services. Unlike Zipcar - which requires an annual membership of £60 in the UK - the programme is free for those who wish to join to. The first five minutes behind the wheel would not be charged.

After a reservation was placed via the app, users would have about 15 minutes to pick the car up. A press release said, cars could be picked up from "secure parking hubs near major public transport locations, such as Waterloo and Victoria railway stations."

The service which went live on 26 May, has been billed as the only service to offer one-way trips.

The service offers access to 50 fuel-efficient cars across 20 locations in the English capital. The service started as a personal mobility experiment with 100 invited users. 

"As cities become more and more congested, people are becoming increasingly open to new means of mobility, and car sharing is proving to be an appealing model," said Ken Washington, vice-president, Ford Research and Advanced Engineering, AFP Relaxnews reported.

"A crucial part of delivering effective car-sharing services is to learn alongside these drivers what best meets their needs and expectations, and complements their location and existing transportation infrastructure."

GoDrive is one of the 25 mobility experiments on the future of mobility that Ford is currently conducting globally.