Ford, Zipcar Bring New Transportation To Mich. Universities

DEARBORN (WWJ) - Ford Motor Company and Zipcar, Inc. are teaming up to help make transportation more affordable, fun and sustainable for students at more than 250 university campuses throughout the U.S.

The first-of-its-kind, two-year tie-up introduces a new generation of drivers to Ford vehicles with the highly fuel-efficient Focus and Escape now part of Zipcar's existing fleet of environmentally friendly, reliable and fun vehicles. Zipcar will add up to 650 Fords to its lineup during this academic year and up to 1,000 Ford vehicles during the life of the agreement.

Zipcar is a car-sharing program that provides an affordable and convenient transportation solution for college students living on campus with all-inclusive rates that cover parking, gas, insurance, maintenance and roadside assistance. Zipcar offers more than 30 makes and models of self-service vehicles by the hour or day to college students looking for an alternative to the high costs and hassles of owning a car.

Bill Ford, executive chairman, Ford Motor Company, said the program enables today's new drivers to experience the company's latest fuel-efficient vehicles, while helping them reduce their cost of living and help relieve congestion on campus.

Zipcar has established partnerships with more than 250 universities throughout North America, including the University of Michigan, Michigan State University and Wayne State University.

To check out the all-new Ford Focus at work in the Zipcar fleet, click here.