Founded: 2000
Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Type: Car-sharing brand within a public group
Categories: Car Sharing
Markets: Primarily the United States and Canada
Parent: Avis Budget Group
Zipcar is a car-sharing brand that lets members book vehicles by the hour or day instead of using a traditional rental desk.
Products and Services: Zipcar memberships support round-trip car sharing through the app, with fuel included. The brand also sells Zipcar for Business and Zipcar for Universities, and it emphasizes quick sign-up, self-service access, and digital trip management.
Geography and Markets: Zipcar’s current public site is centered on U.S. and Canadian cities and campuses, and its university materials say it serves more than 500 campuses. That gives the brand strong relevance for city travel, short errands, student use, and occasional driving.
Ownership and Corporate Structure: Zipcar has been part of Avis Budget Group since 2013. It remains a separate consumer brand inside the group, alongside Avis and Budget, and fills the car-sharing role those rental brands do not cover directly.
Some Key Dates:
- 2000 founding in Cambridge, Massachusetts
- 2013 acquisition by Avis Budget Group; continued build-out of university and business programs
- February 2026 end of Zipcar UK operations, marking a notable market exit.
(Sources: Company financial reports, SEC filings, official press releases, and reputable news outlets were used.)
Official channels:
Category:
Car Sharing
