Zipcar has launched its car sharing service in Madrid as part of its programme of European expansion.

 

The company will operate a range of vehicles including the Peugeot 308 hybrid under the Avancar brand. In 2011, Zipcar purchased the Spanish company, which has been available in Barcelona since 2005.

 

Zipcar's expansion to Madrid marks its 30th major city opening and follows the recent launch of the service in Paris, where operations began last month. The US-based company has a global fleet of over 10,000 vehicles across six countries, including the UK, France, and Austria.

 

Massimo Marsili, Zipcar's European president, said the move marked an "important milestone" for the company.

 

"Our service is environmentally friendly, complementary to public transportation and ideal for a new generation of smart consumers who are looking for goods and services that are available on demand," he added. "We are excited to be launching our first wave of locations across the city today and aspire to a future where Madrid residents are never more than a 10 minute walk away from an Avancar."

 

Car clubs promise a more sustainable and economical alternative to car ownership. Earlier this month, research sponsored by Zipcar found expanding car sharing schemes in London could improve air quality and congestion by removing 120,000 vehicles from the streets.