Washington, D.C.– April 29, 2015 – Today, American University announces a unique new partnership with Zipcar, the world’s leading car sharing network, to offer a special car sharing program on campus. The new program will provide access to car sharing vehicles for all of American University Zipcar members, as well as select vehicles dedicated for the exclusive use of faculty, staff and students needing cars for school-sanctioned activities. All American University vehicles will be available to students ages 18 and older.

American University will initially offer six seven-passenger vans, including the Ford Transit Connect and Toyota Sienna, for exclusive use by approved faculty, staff and student organizations as part of a first-of-its-kind program. Two additional Zipcars, a Ford Escape SUV and a Honda Civic, will also be available for all students, faculty, staff and Zipcar members in the local community. These Zipcars will have designated parking spots located at Clark Hall and Asbury Hall for convenient pick-up and return. Zipcars are available on-demand and can be easily reserved and accessed 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  All membership costs for approved members of the dedicated passenger van program will be paid for by the university when using the vehicles for school-related activities.

Additionally, all students, faculty and staff at American University can now join Zipcar as members for their personal use for $15 for the first year of membership, plus affordable hourly and daily rates for Zipcar vehicles when a set of wheels is needed. After the first year, members will pay an annual membership fee of $35. Gas, insurance and up to 180 miles of driving per day are included in Zipcar rates, and cars can be reserved for as little as an hour or for multiple days. American University Zipcar members also have access to over 830 Zipcars throughout the greater Washington, D.C. area.  American University students, faculty and staff can join Zipcar at www.zipcar.com/AU.

“From concept to reality, this is a unique opportunity for American University to make great strides in the areas of sustainability and savings on capital investments,” said Daniel Nichols, executive director for risk, safety and transportation programs.  “AU is proud to lead this model program and offer this access to our campus community.”

Participating members with smartphones, including iPhone and Android devices, may download the Zipcar mobile application to make reservations, lock and unlock the vehicles and honk the horn to help locate the vehicle.  Reservations can also be made over the phone or on the Zipcar website.  The cars on American University’s campus will also be equipped with special parking permit stickers that allow Zipcar members to park in any metered space or residential parking permit zone within the District during their reservation at no additional cost to the member. 

 “Zipcar is delighted to partner with American University to create this program to meet the needs of students, faculty and staff,” said Scott Hall, general manager of Zipcar Washington, D.C.  “From our direct-billed account members driving minivans to and from school activities, to students using Zipcars for errands, job interviews, excursions into the city, or weekend trips away, Zipcar provides a convenient and cost-effective transportation option for virtually every need.”

Zipcar has established relationships with more than 400 universities across North America. For more information and how to become a member of Zipcar at American University, please visit www.zipcar.com/AU.  Additional information and promotions can also be found by following @ZipcarU on Twitter.

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About Zipcar:
Zipcar, the world's leading car sharing network, has operations in urban areas and college campuses throughout Austria, Canada, France, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States. Zipcar offers more than 50 makes and models of self-service vehicles by the hour or day to residents and businesses looking for smart, simple and convenient solutions to their urban and campus transportation needs. Zipcar is a subsidiary of Avis Budget Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: CAR), a leading global provider of vehicle rental services. More information is available at www.zipcar.com.

About American University
American University is a leader in global education, enrolling a diverse student body from throughout the United States and nearly 140 countries. Located in Washington, D.C., the university provides opportunities for academic excellence, public service, and internships in the nation’s capital and around the world. More information is available at american.edu.

Media Contacts:

Jennifer Mathews, Public Relations Manager, Zipcar, [email protected], 617-336-4605

Kelly Alexander, American University, Director of Public Relations, [email protected], 202-885-5950