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Ford to Begin Car-Sharing Scheme In Germany

Ford Motor Co.'s German unit will launch a nationwide car-sharing service in the second quarter that will let customers rent vehicles for short periods through its dealer network.

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Ford Motor Co.'s German unit will launch a nationwide car-sharing service in the second quarter that will let customers rent vehicles for short periods through its dealer network.

The program, called Ford2Go, is a three-way partnership among Ford, its German dealer group FHD GmbH and DB Rent GmbH, developer of a car-sharing service called Flinkster.

Ford aims to offer 500 vehicles at 50 dealerships by year-end. Customers will pay a registration fee and a nominal amount each time they borrow a vehicle. Ford2Go clients will be offered a free app developed by DB Rent that enables them to use their smartphones to arrange for a vehicle.

Ford says the program could eventually be available at its other 480 German dealers, 260 affiliated branches and nearly 1,100 repair shops in the country. The carmaker adds that the service could eventually be extended to other countries in Europe.

A poll commissioned by Ford indicates that 56% of Europeans would consider car sharing through a formal car pool or private arrangements. The main attractions are convenience, easy booking and lower travel costs.

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