Mazda to launch nationwide multi-model car-share scheme in Germany

7 August 2018

Following a successful pilot in October 2017, Japanese manufacturer Mazda is to roll out a nationwide car-share service across Germany.

The company is partnering with mobility service provider Choice and the car-sharing network Flinkster, owned by public transport operator Deutsche Bahn. It will initially offer 850 vehicles from the end of August, with another 150 available to customers at selected Lidl car parks within the North Rhine-Westphalia region in by the end of September.

Rather than concentrating on one vehicle model, Mazda is to make its entire range available to customers of the service, from the MX-5 to the CX-5, meaning drivers can run with a sporty vehicle, or have something more practical to transport more passengers or goods. Each model will be equipped with satellite navigation.

The station-based offer can be booked via the ′Mazda Carsharing’ app, or via Flinkster, registration is free in the Mazda car-sharing app until September 30, 2018, and the, modular tariff model means that customers can drive for 15-minutes for €1. After successful in-app registration, the driver’s license validation is completely digital, and billing is automated by credit card or direct debit.

Mazda car sharing is a completely digital business model. Modern access technologies enable the end customer to use the keyless vehicles via the Mazda car-sharing app. Actions such as booking, opening and closing the vehicles are completely controlled via the smartphone. Trip statements are also automated via the respective deposited means of payment. The integrated Best Price Logic always grants the customer the most favourable tariff for him by time and kilometres travelled.

′With the experience gained from the pilot project, we can now really kick-start car-sharing – nationwide. The special feature of our offer is that the entire model range from Mazda2 to Mazda MX-5 is available to customers in attractive locations. All you need is a smartphone. This will enable us to continue to develop Mazda’s mobility offer in large steps,’ explains Stefan Kampa, Senior Manager Retail, Fleet & Mobility at Mazda.

Wolf Tiedemann, Head of Central Services at Lidl Germany, explains, ′We want to bring our customers closer to innovative and sustainable mobility concepts that anyone can use quickly and easily.’ With the new car-sharing concept, we are close to the customer and offer them one uncomplicated way to try out alternative mobility solutions in your everyday life.’

Due to a changing ownership landscape, car manufacturers are increasingly rolling out new car-share schemes to keep consumers in touch with their brands. However, for Mazda, this is not at the detriment of its dealership network, which will be involved in the new program. Dealers near a car-sharing location can take on a service partnership for the vehicles and gain expertise in this area. With the nationwide car-sharing service, Mazda believes it is laying the foundation for close cooperation between retailers and manufacturers when it comes to innovative mobility concepts.