The pilot will see the introduction of a fleet of 250 smart coupés in a 34m2 area of Birmingham, with registered drivers able to rent the vehicles by the minute and then leave them in any available public parking space within the car2go Home Area.

Councillor Tahir Ali, cabinet member for development, jobs and skills, said: ‘Birmingham is committed to developing a wide range of green transport initiatives and this 12-month pilot will establish how this scheme can contribute towards this, alongside improvements to public transport and better walking and cycling links. The aim is to reduce traffic congestion and carbon emissions and encourage people to think of alternatives to bringing their car into city every day.’

Members use the car2go online finder, a smart phone app, tablet app, or the car2go facebook app to locate the nearest available car. They can either use the car without a reservation or book a car2go in advance online or through the app. They then simply walk up to the car2go, hold the membership card against the card reader on the windshield and the doors will unlock. After entering a PIN on the touchscreen and rating the condition of the vehicle, a key will be released, allowing them to drive.  

Every new customer gets the first 30 minutes of driving for free. Charges are calculated by the minute, at a rate of 0.35 pence per minute, and will be debited from their credit card after exiting the vehicle. Fuel, parking, maintenance and insurance are included at no additional cost.

Marcus Breitschwerdt, president and CEO, Mercedes-Benz UK, added: ‘I am delighted that car2go is expanding to Birmingham, one of the UK's largest cities and a major international commercial centre.  Our Mercedes-Benz and smart retailers have been serving customers in this region for many years and I am looking forward to introducing the people of Birmingham to car2go.’

A wholly owned subsidiary of Daimler, car2go is currently operational in 18 cities worldwide with more than 6,100 smart fortwo vehicles.