The fleet, up from the previous total of two vehicles, marks the company’s expansion into the 25th major metro market.

The Zipcars will be located across the city including public and private lots and garages in neighbourhoods such as Downtown, Midtown, New Center, Woodbridge, Rivertown and Hamtramck. Zipcars are also available across campus at Wayne State University and the College for Creative Studies.

Fleets will be offered discounted rates Monday to Friday through the Zipcar for Business programme, which is intended to help firms save money, meet environmental sustainability goals and reduce parking requirements by providing their employees with access to Zipcars.

The majority of the vehicles will be Fords, in line with Zipcar’s long-standing partnership with the carmaker, and will include a Ford Escape named “Martius”, useful cars such as the Ford Focus “Motor City”, and fun choices like a Ford Mustang named “Belle Isle” as well as a number of other unique offerings, according to Zipcar.

‘We're proud to stand alongside Zipcar as a valued partner, as they expand operations to Detroit,’ said Amy Marentic, group marketing manager, global cars and crossovers at Ford. ‘This is a city brimming with possibilities, and we're thrilled that our vehicles will be a symbol of growth and opportunity.’ 

Rates start from $9 per hour and $75 per day (24 hours) and include gas, reserved parking spots, insurance, roadside assistance and up to 180 miles of driving per day.