Volkswagen enters partnership with Zipcar

Volkswagen has announced a new partnership with car sharing network Zipcar to bring the Golf GTE to the streets of London.

The deal will see a total of 50 low emission Golf GTE’s rolled out across the capital, which will be available to Zipcar members from £7 per hour.

The Golf GTE is powered by a petrol-electric hybrid powertrain, with an all electric range of up to 31 miles and fuel efficiency of up to 166mpg.

The ‘Zipwagen’ initiative comes as part of Volkswagen’s focus on new technologies and the new ways in which cars are being used by customers.

Rod McLeod, head of marketing at Volkswagen UK, said: “Volkswagen is once again demonstrating its forward thinking with this exciting new Zipwagen initiative. We are already leading the way in terms of product technology and the new car buying experience – from clicks right through to collection – but this partnership with Zipcar shows that we are also providing attractive solutions to increasing numbers of inner-city residents who want to use cars on demand in preference to actually owning one.

“Engaging low- or no-emission driving in the city, allied to the well-established quality and practicality of today’s Volkswagen Golf, means I expect the Zipwagen initiative to prove extremely popular and look forward to seeing the 50 Golf GTEs involved in the scheme out and about on the streets of London in the weeks and months ahead.”

Mark Walker, Zipcar UK general manager, said: “The Volkswagen Golf GTE is ideal for Zipcar members and ideal for London. Volkswagen’s innovative plug-in hybrid technology means the best of both worlds: zero emission driving in the city, combined with total flexibility for driving long distances. 

“Thanks to our Zipwagen partnership, Zipcar members will be able to drive this leading-edge, premium car for just £7 per hour and, once they have done so, I’m confident they will become positive advocates for electric driving in the city.”

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