German automaker BMW announced that it is launching its own car sharing service in Seattle. BMW clarified that it is launching a car-sharing service, not a ride-sharing service which is usually associated with Uber.

Although the two services sound similar, car sharing and ride sharing are two completely different concepts. Ride sharing transports people around a specific area using the driver's own car. On the other hand, car sharing involves several individual sharing a single car or carpooling.

Like Us on Facebook

BMW's car sharing service is called ReachNow and is already operational in Seattle. The service aims to give users the experience of driving a car without spending a lot of cash to acquire it. BMW said that the sign-up process of its car sharing service only takes two minutes. Once approved, customers can choose from a variety of BMW vehicles including the BMW i3 electric vehicle, the Mini Cooper, and the BMW 3 Series.

ReachNow also has a mobile app available on Android and iOS. The mobile app serves as the customer's gateway to the service. The app also provides directions in finding cars that are not being used. After the customer is done using the car, all they have to do is park it in any legal parking space. Users are not even required to pay for the parking meter.

BMW has a lot of plans for ReachNow. Based on the success of the initial launch, BMW plans to extend the coverage of its service in order to cover the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport route. The company is also planning to integrate a delivery service that will allow users to request a specific model or type of vehicle.

According to Tech Crunch, outside of the Unites States, BMW is already operating its own car sharing services in at least 10 European cities.

TagsBMW, car sharing, car sharing, BMW car sharing, car sharing service, BMW ReachNow, ReachNow, BMW ReachNow service, ReachNow car sharing