Have you considered buying second car… or even a third? Does your business hire a vehicle every month or so – whether it be a small runaround or a larger vehicle for shifting goods or groups of people?

popcar BDM, Sam Chircop

These are the questions that Sydney-start-up popcar wants you to consider, as Australia’s latest car-sharing service pushes into Canberra - and is available to drivers right now. Only the second city in Australia to play host to the brand, Sam Chircop, popcar’s Business Development Manager, says the company was attracted by “the city’s willingness to embrace new technology and support environmental initiatives.”

Given the current poor public transport options, and the fact that almost half of the Canberra-based fleet are hybrids, this morning's launch makes sense.

For those not familiar with car-sharing the concept is simple: pick your pricing tier, pay a joining fee and then commit to a subsequent monthly subscription. After that, there is a range of eight vehicles that can be booked for any time day or night for you to utilise for an hourly fee. From sporty Toyota 86 through to a Hiace, there is something to suit almost every need.

Based on earlier car-sharing operations in Europe and the United States, General Managing Anthony Welsh has a history of being involved in the car industry. For Walsh, popcar ups the ante by offering a type of convenience and service that improves upon the hire-car model.

Firstly, cars are kept at multiple locations that are near population or transport hubs. Secondly, the cars offer an integrated communications system that allows drivers to contact popcar to advise of issues with the car or to receive any other form of assistance. Fuel cards are installed in the vehicle and issue a four digit pin to enable you to refill. popcar can even remotely unlock the cars’ doors for you!

The other advantage is speed. Simply check availability of vehicles nearby and make your booking. There’s no need to queue at an airport counter or fill out forms every time. Once you’re signed up, the process is fast and easy.

Clearly the idea is working – there has already been great expansion for the business. popcar launched in Sydney only four months ago and already has a fleet of 45 cars scattered around the harbour city.

How the company survives in Canberra with its less-dense population remains to be seen. However, it’s a clear signal as to where the car hire industry is heading…

…at least until they pull up at our front door all by themselves.

[popcar]