Zipcar App Lets Members Search For and Reserve Cars

CAMBRIDGE, MA--June 21, 2011: Zipcar, Inc. , the world's leading car sharing network, today announced the official launch of its Android mobile application with the removal of the public beta tag. The beta test, launched May 5, 2011, allowed Zipcar members to test the application and provide feedback to Zipcar to ensure the product would be capable of offering a powerful, seamless mobile experience. The official Zipcar Android App v1.0, which runs on the OS 2.1 or higher Android platform, is now faster and more efficient than the version introduced during the beta test, and offers enhancements to the user interface and improvements to user features.

With the introduction of its Android app, Zipcar is adding to its collection of mobile applications and services that work with members through all stages of the reservation process using a variety of mobile devices. The app allows members to search for and reserve Zipcars by time, location and vehicle type.  Members can use the application to view available Zipcars on a map, get directions to the vehicle location and extend or cancel a reservation.  

The application can also be used to honk the horn to locate a Zipcar as well as lock and unlock the vehicle after scanning the Zipcard into the reservation.  Non-members can download the app to search for vehicles and vehicle locations, learn more about Zipcar and initiate the membership application process.

"Our members are rapidly transitioning from traditional to mobile devices.  With this official release of our Android App, we're responding to the needs of our members.  This launch also reflects a cornerstone of the Zipcar brand -- our unrelenting commitment to providing the best member experience," said Scott Griffith, Zipcar Chairman and CEO. "The feedback from our members during the beta test was instrumental in making this first version powerful, easy and fun."

The Android App is part of a suite of integrated mobile applications that includes Zipcar's iPhone® application -- recognized by Time Magazine as one of the "50 Best iPhone Apps in 2011" -- as well as a mobile website, which can be used on BlackBerry® devices and smartphones to make, extend or change reservations; and two-way SMS texting, allowing the vehicle to proactively reach out to members during their reservation via their mobile device to manage their reservation, including instant reservation extension.

For members without a smartphone, Zipcar offers an interactive, automated call line which recognizes members and their reservation status, and dynamically changes the options (i.e. extends a reservation) based on where members are in their reservation experience.  

The app is available for download at Zipcar Android or can be downloaded directly on an Android-powered device by searching for "Zipcar" in the Android Market.  Members can visit www.zipcar.com/android/faqs with any questions regarding Zipcar for Android, and can also send feedback directly through the application.