Penske Corporation announces investment in Carsharing service called Penske Dash

Penske Corporation, a diversified, on-highway, transportation services company, announced its investment in Penske Dash, a carsharing service launching in Washington, DCand Arlington, VA, this week.

Penske Dash provides members with convenient, on-demand access to Volkswagen Jetta SE vehicles that may be rented by the minute, hour or day through the Penske Dash app. Rental rates are all-inclusive, covering fuel, parking and insurance. Penske Dash members are supported with 24/7 access to a US-based call centre and a local fleet operations team.

Vehicles will be available on a free-floating basis in Arlington, VA, allowing Penske Dash members to make one-way trips by initiating and completing rentals at any unrestricted public parking spot. To provide additional parking options for members, Penske Dash has secured reserved parking options at centrally located Colonial Parking garages in Washington, DC.

Penske Dash is partnering with Ridecell for its technology capabilities and Volkswagen for its OEM capabilities, and is co-owned by transportation industry leaders Penske Corporation and Penske Transportation Solutions. Each organisation brings leading capabilities and expertise in key areas of the Penske Dash operations.

“We are excited to bring a new mobility option to Washington, DC and Arlington, bolstered by Penske's longstanding commitment to quality and customer service,” said Michael Montri, Chief Operating Officer of Penske Dash. “From the technology used, to the upkeep of our vehicles, to customer and roadside support, every facet of Penske Dash was designed to provide our members with the highest-quality and most consistent carsharing experience possible. From here, we plan to evolve with the needs of these communities, listening closely to their feedback, to not only create but maintain a best-in-class carsharing service.”

Local operations will be led by Paul DeLong, who previously served as President and CEO of Car2Go North America and brings with him expertise in carsharing operations and the specific launch markets. DeLong said, “We believe Washington, DC and Arlington are ideal markets to launch Penske Dash due to the commitment of each municipality to provide flexible mobility choices, and the local residents' familiarity with the benefits of carsharing.”

Penske Corporation Chairman Roger Penske said, “Penske Dash furthers our commitment to embrace new technologies while addressing the mobility needs for our consumers. As Mobility as a Service and the sharing economy develop, we will continue to leverage the expertise of our strong partners and our expertise in transportation services to remain at the forefront of new leading transportation solutions.”