Daimler-owned free-float carshare company car2go has officially launched in Chicago, marking the company's 25th global city. car2go says that Chicago is a city ideally suited for flexible one-way carshare.

"This pilot program demonstrates Chicago's commitment to transportation innovation and providing reliable ways to travel the city," Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said. "I look forward to seeing car2go succeed and grow, offering a new transportation option in neighborhoods across Chicago."

"Carsharing continues to gain momentum worldwide as more people move into dense urban cores and seek simple, on-demand, eco-friendly solutions for making short- or long-term trips," said Olivier Reppert, CEO of the car2go Group GmbH. "Chicago is a perfect match for a mobility service like ours, and the support we have received from city leaders to bring car2go to Chicago has been outstanding. On behalf of car2go globally, I want to thank the City of Chicago for their support. We look forward to improving quality of life in Chicago through a great new flexible, affordable mobility option for Chicagoans."

car2go will offer a fleet of 400 vehicles for rent, including smart fortwos and Mercedes-Benz CLA and GLA vehicles, as part of the pilot program approved by City Council in March 2018.

"Traveling to and from work safely, inexpensively, and conveniently is essential for employees working within the Chicago restaurant and hospitality industries," said Sam Toia, President and CEO of the Illinois Restaurant Association. "This is where a service like car2go can pay huge dividends in helping to address one of the industry's most pressing needs. Supporting innovative technologies like car2go is critical in keeping Chicago moving."

With the addition of Chicago, the car2go now operates in 10 North American cities, 14 in Europe, and one in China. car2go says it has 3.3m members worldwide, with over one million in the US and Canada.