General Motors Maven Will Offer A Platform Resembling Airbnb For Machines
If you thought the idea of taking an Uber or Lyft was the only way ride-sharing could work, you’ve got another thing coming. General Motors is seeking to change the transportation game yet again, as they’ve made plans to be the first major automaker to launch a peer-to-peer car-sharing service. Think Airbnb, but for your car. GM has been at work on a pilot program that will enable owners to rent out their vehicles using their.
This isn’t a new concept as Daimler-backed Turo and startup Getaround, offer similar services. GM stands differently from them as they’re the first of the traditional and larger automotive companies to do such a thing. Tesla also has their sights set on something like this, however, they’re waiting for Level 4/5 autonomy in order to avoid people just randomly driving other people’s cars, instead of enjoying a programmed, automated ride. This new service would be a sort of variation on Maven, which has generally focused on on-demand short-term rentals of GM-owned vehicles. While Maven has worked on branching out into all-in rentals for service economy workers, this peer-to-peer rental is the next logical step for them. It makes complete sense for them to work with existing GM vehicle owners to provide more choices and variety to renters found on the platform. The existing car-share company Turo has angled their platform as a lease or purchase incentive program for new car owners.
Renting out vehicles could, in turn, supplement the cost of ownership. GM has hinted at going that route in the past with Maven, knowing that millennials who live in larger cities don’t want to buy cars. Angling the business model like that could potentially reach those consumers that otherwise, wouldn’t be interested in purchasing a new car.