Cityhop Car Share Announces Strategic Partnership

Cityhop Car Share Announces Strategic Partnership

• Cityhop is New Zealand’s largest and longest established car share operator with a fleet of more than 80 vehicles in Auckland and Wellington.
• Cityhop has entered into a strategic partnership with Toyota Financial Services that provides access to motor vehicles, logistical and back office support, as well as financial capital.
• Cityhop has ambitious plans to expand its car sharing service to more New Zealand cities and offer a wider range of vehicles.

New Zealand’s largest and longest established car sharing operator, Cityhop, announced today it had formed a strategic partnership with Toyota Financial Services.

Cityhop currently provides cars by the hour to members in Auckland and Wellington. Reservations can be made by the hour on Cityhop’s online booking system. The hourly rate includes petrol, parking, cleaning and insurance.

Vehicles are located in specific car share parks across the city and members access these using an RFID enabled membership card.

Studies show that car sharing reduces personal vehicle ownership in cities across the globe.

Cityhop founder Victoria Carter says, “many businesses have begun to downsize their vehicle fleets and use Cityhop to right size. There are a number of CBD businesses that now have no vehicle fleet and just use Cityhop.

Hundreds of individuals are able to choose to not own a car and use one of Cityhop’s range of cars saving money and removing cars off the road. We offer access not ownership.”

Urban apartment blocks are now also offering car share to provide occupier’s vehicle access rather than provide private parking. It makes sense when the majority of private vehicles are parked most of the day!”

Victoria Carter adds,” this partnership provides a massive opportunity to accelerate growth in our existing markets as well as expand our service to more cities in New Zealand. Thousands more people will now have an opportunity to live with one less car, reduce urban congestion, save money, as well as help the environment.”

Toyota Financial Services CEO Brent Knight says, “We’ve been impressed with the Cityhop business. It’s led the way in changing the transport landscape in the Auckland urban area by providing individuals and organisations access to a smart mobility solution that reduces the reliance on personal motor vehicles”.
“Cityhop’s aspiration to make cities better, more liveable places, aligns with Toyota’s view of a future where urban transport is both more environmental and convenient.

“Our back-office processes, the operational support capabilities of our dealer network and of course our access to vehicles, will greatly assist Cityhop to expand - giving more people greater transportation options”.
“Our goal is to help Cityhop grow and offer more people a wider range of transport alternatives in a much shorter space of time. Car share members will see a roll out of a wider range of passenger and commercial vehicles as well as mobility and electric vehicles,” added Mr Knight.

Background Notes
Toyota Finance is the largest captive motor vehicle financier in New Zealand. The company’s core business centres on offering a range of finance and leasing solutions both through authorised vendors and direct to customers.
Toyota Finance supports the sale of Toyota associated products through allied distributors, including Toyota New Zealand Limited, authorised motor vehicle dealers and other associated vendors.
The Company markets a comprehensive suite of finance, insurance and fleet management services through authorised Toyota and Lexus motor vehicle dealers and direct to corporate customers.
Toyota Finance also provides financial products through selected commercial and industrial equipment dealers to their customers.

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