car clubs, definition of

An innovative form of car hire that allows club members to pick up cars from locations around a city and pay for use of a vehicle on an hourly basis.

Supporters of the model argue that it helps reduce car ownership and encourages the public to only to use cars when they need to, cutting carbon emissions and congestion in the process.

The clubs say their cars are cheaper and easier to book than those of rental firms. Car clubs are also increasingly offer low emission cars, such as hybrid vehicles.