GM Launches Maven, A Car-Sharing Program

Published on January 21, 2016 in Technology/Autonomous Vehicles by Frédérick Boucher-Gaulin
Maven

For some people, the thought of sharing your car with someone is pretty much heresy; just like a toothbrush or your girlfriend, some things should not be lent to others.

If you don’t mind sharing, you will probably appreciate GM’s most recent initiative: the American manufacturer just announced the creation of Maven, a ride-sharing program.

Everything is done through your smartphone. You can check if there is a vehicle near you or search the immediate vicinity for the type of ride you need – SUV, pickup truck or a small city car, for example. Once you choose a vehicle, you need to walk to the location and unlock it using your phone. Using the app, you can also remote-start the car so it’s nice and warm when you get there.

Users will pay according to the mileage they drive; fuel and insurance is included.

Initially, only the US will gain access to Maven; the first city where the service will be implemented is Ann Harbor, Michigan. However, if it is successful, it’s possible that the ride-sharing program could find its way to Canada.

Would you use Maven if it came here?