General Motors has announced a new partnership with carsharing provider RelayRides. The two companies will launch a program in early 2012 that will leverage GM’s OnStar technology with the RelayRides marketplace.
For those not familiar with the company, RelayRides provides a platform for car owners to rent out their idle rides. RelayRides’ new partnership with GM should make the renting process even easier, thanks to the vehicle capabilities of OnStar.
Beginning in early 2012, those renting vehicles equipped with GM’s OnStar service will be able to unlock the vehicle’s doors via a mobile phone application. Vehicles without OnStar will still require additional hardware to make them “RelayRides ready.â€
“We’re using technology to make both our older and newest models carshare ready and available for those owners who choose to participate in carsharing,†said Stephen Girsky, GM vice chairman. “Our goal is to find ways to broaden our customer reach, reduce traffic congestion in America’s largest cities and address urban mobility concerns.â€
GM’s announcement comes just weeks after Ford became the biggest supplier of vehicles to carshare provider Zipcar.
