Volvo has unveiled M, a new brand for its upcoming car-sharing service that will debut in Sweden and the US next year.
The company says that M will be supported by an app with “proprietary learning technology that asks users about their specific needs instead of merely informing them where they can pick up a car.”
It’s not exactly starting from scratch, though: Volvo says it’s working with Sunfleet, a car-sharing firm in Sweden that’s been around for 20 years. It’ll be integrated into M next year.
With that, Volvo is the latest firm to join the ranks of automakers dipping their toes into the new-ish mobility space. Ford and GM hopped on the bandwagon early on, allowing customers to rent out and borrow vehicles on their respective platforms.
In addition, Volkswagen and Renault announced today that they’re both launching car-sharing services for their electric vehicles starting as soon as this September. And new technologies like digital car keys will make it even easier to rent rides on demand in the near future.
As someone who doesn’t own a car, I’m intrigued by the prospect of never having to buy or maintain one in my lifetime. But more importantly, I’m interested in seeing whether such services can help realize dreams of reducing the number of vehicles on our streets: M claims that each of its cars will take five privates ones off the road. Hopefully, it’s not bluffing.
Via Engadget
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