BMW Launches ‘ReachNow’ Premium Car Sharing Service In Seattle

In an attempt to further develop and expand their sustainable urban mobility solutions, BMW announced the launching of ReachNow, a premium car sharing service.

ReachNow is designed to offer the user a premium experience as efficiently as possible. In fact, BMW say that the registration and approval process takes just two minutes (or less), which is a first for any car sharing service.

Initially, there will be a Seattle-based fleet of 370 vehicles that will include the BMW i3, 3-Series and the MINI Cooper, while in the next quarter, the service will expand to include Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

“We are currently witnessing an extremely exciting period in the development of the automotive industry,” said BMW AG board member Peter Schwarzenbauer. “Our customers rightly expect uncomplicated and fast solutions to their individual mobility needs, especially in metropolitan regions. This is why we are supplementing our classic business model with additional services that make life on the road easier for people in big cities. I am pleased that with the establishment of the ReachNow brand, we are able to offer our customers in Seattle “on-demand mobility” – mobility when it’s needed, from one single source.”

According to ChargePoint, the largest electric vehicle charging network, Seattle was ranked third most EV friendly city in the US, making it the perfect location for launching this type of service – overall “greener mobility”.

“Seattle residents are demanding more transportation options, and car sharing is a convenient way to avoid the expense of owning your own vehicle,” said Mayor Ed Murray. “BMW’s car sharing service also complements our strategy to promote the use of electric vehicles across the city. As we grow our transit networks, we look forward to expanding car sharing as another great option to get around Seattle.”

Throughout 2016, ReachNow will offer services such as: Delivery for car sharing vehicles, Vehicles on-hand at the airport, Car sharing for longer rentals, as well as for residential and corporate groups, plus a Chauffeur service.

Users will be charged at a rate of $0.49 (cents) per minute while the vehicle is in use, and $0.30 (cents) per minute while parked. There’s also a one-time lifetime registration fee of $39, though the introductory offer stands at $0.41 (cents) with free of charge registration – as long as you hurry up.

There will be three different price tiers: $50 for up to 3 hours, $80 for up to 12 hours and $110 for up to 24 hours – with all prices including insurance, fuel and parking.

The ReachNow app can be downloaded on the App Store as well as on Google Play, where new users can start locating and booking the nearest available car. When they’re done, the car can be returned to any legal parking space on the street.