Enterprise CarShare Expands to Washington, D.C.

ST. LOUIS, Sept. 4, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Enterprise CarShare today announced the launch of its services in Washington, D.C.  With more than 40 locations available throughout the metro area beginning Sept. 23 and the promise to double the amount of locations by the end of November, the service offers D.C. residents an easily accessible transportation option any time, day or night.

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Washington, D.C. is the fifth new major market to offer Enterprise CarShare retail services in the past two years.  Enterprise CarShare is now available on more than 75 university campuses and 40 government and business campuses and in more than 15 markets including New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Chicago.

"As urbanization continues, car sharing plays an increasingly significant role in serving local transportation needs," said Ryan Johnson, assistant vice president of Enterprise CarShare.  "We're launching in D.C. to answer the call from those who are seeking a car-share option with up-to-date vehicles and first-rate customer service."

To support the launch of the services, Enterprise CarShare is introducing an integrated marketing campaign that includes advertising, event sponsorships, street teams, public relations and social media efforts.  The multi-year marketing strategy emphasizes Enterprise CarShare benefits, accessibility and the unique member experience.

Also, for a limited time, Enterprise is offering to waive the application fee and one-year membership charge for any Washington, D.C. members and include discounted hourly rates for trips made before Dec. 31, 2013.

The company is deploying street teams in high-traffic areas, at large-scale events and at transit stations to connect consumers to the brand, educate potential members on the benefits of car sharing and offer discounted rates for new member registrations.  Publicity efforts for the campaign will include word-of-mouth activations, local grassroots events and media and blogger relations.  Customers can receive additional discounts and loyalty incentives by signing up for member emails, referring friends who register for Enterprise CarShare membership and by visiting the brand's social media outlets.

"Because our car-sharing services are backed by Enterprise Rent-A-Car, we have access to newer, cleaner and well-maintained vehicles and offer a lower member-to-car ratio than any other car rental or car-sharing company," said Johnson.

Enterprise CarShare is a cost-effective alternative to car ownership, an environmentally-friendly supplement to public transit and, since it's backed by Enterprise's award-winning customer service, delivers convenience and reliability to members in select markets across the country.

More information is available by visiting www.enterprisecarshare.com/DC, the Enterprise CarShare Facebook page, or by following @carshare on Twitter. 

About Enterprise CarShare

Enterprise CarShare is a natural extension of the local car rental service that Enterprise Rent-A-Car pioneered more than 55 years ago.  Enterprise CarShare offers a variety of clean, well-maintained vehicles at an affordable price, when and where customers need them, whether it is for an hour, a day, a weekend or longer. In 2011, Enterprise entered a major retail car-sharing market for the first time by acquiring PhillyCarShare in Philadelphia, and then, in 2012, it acquired Mint Cars On-Demand in Boston and New York City. In May 2013, Enterprise acquired the business of IGO CarSharing, the first car-sharing program in Chicago.  Today, Enterprise CarShare offers hybrid, plug-in and fuel-efficient vehicles, delivering car-sharing technology's speed and economy nationwide to businesses, universities and government offices looking to enhance their fleet management operations along with their fiscal and social sustainability initiatives. 

SOURCE Enterprise CarShare