With the launch of a new car share system, Nissan is joining the ever-growing number of auto makers to transform their business models from being solely vehicle manufacturers into smart mobility services providers.
Nissan has announced a pioneering new digital-first shared car ownership service, which is set to transform the traditional car sharing industry. Nissan Intelligent Get & Go Micra was initially revealed by the company’s chairman and CEO, Carlos Ghosn (below), at the recent Web Summit in Lisbon, Portugal, and will give people the ability to part-own a brand new Nissan Micra. Social networking is at the heart of the new plan, as Nissan is able to profile-match consumers to form next-generation car sharing communities through a 100% digital experience.
Launching initially in the Paris metropolitan area of France later this year, shared cars are expected to be on the road by April 2017. The service, based on a unique algorithm that uses social profiling and geo-localization technology, will match compatible owners with complementary driving needs to form a 100% digital, shared ownership community that will include bespoke monthly invoicing based on an individual member’s car usage. The Nissan Intelligent Get & Go Micra service uses the new Micra Acenta 0.9O MT model, and will include insurance, servicing, and access to the online matching tool, a smartphone application, and in-car technology. Communities will need to agree upon an annual mileage limit of 9,320 miles (15,000km).
This new service is borne out of Nissan’s Intelligent Mobility vision, which provides a framework for how cars are powered, driven, and integrated into society, all the while staying focused on creating more enjoyable driving experiences. With the proliferation of the shared economy model, which impacts everything from cars to food to homes, Nissan says this new announcement is a step toward realizing its eventual Intelligent Mobility goal of zero emissions and zero fatalities on the road.
“We are moving toward a future where car usage may be more flexible, social and shared,” explained Ghosn, announcing the new scheme. “At Nissan, we’re pioneering new ways to allow drivers to enjoy the freedom and financial benefits of shared car ownership. And there is no better vehicle to launch this program than the all-new Micra, which embodies the vision of Nissan Intelligent Mobility.”
