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Zipcar in peer-to-peer car sharing

International car sharing network Zipcar has announced it is the lead investor in a US$13.7 million Series A round of funding for Wheelz, which claims to be the first peer-to-peer (P2P) car sharing company targeting college campus communities. “Based on our analysis and primary research, we believe P2P could expand the total addressable market for car sharing,” said Zipcar chairman and CEO Scott Griffith, who added he believes Wheelz has the right leadership, technology and business model to succeed in the
June 21, 2012 Read time: 2 mins
International car sharing network 3874 Zipcar has announced it is the lead investor in a US$13.7 million Series A round of funding for 5975 Wheelz, which claims to be the first peer-to-peer (P2P) car sharing company targeting college campus communities.

“Based on our analysis and primary research, we believe P2P could expand the total addressable market for car sharing,” said Zipcar chairman and CEO Scott Griffith, who added he believes Wheelz has the right leadership, technology and business model to succeed in the emerging P2P space.

Also participating in the round is Detroit-based 1072 Fontinalis Partners,
a leading transportation technology strategic investment firm. Mark Schulz, 30-year automotive industry veteran, former president for international operations at 278 Ford Motor Company and Founding Partner at Fontinalis, will be joining Scott Griffith on the Wheelz board. Also joining the board is Jim Freer, former vice-chairman of Ernst & Young.

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