'Auto-partage' closes in Antibes

The 24/7 car service closed on Tuesday 27th December. Copyright leblogauto.

It's a disapointing decision for the 180 subscribers of the program, designed to offer environmentally friendly cars available for rental 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

The system, which was introduced in 2007, was the first of its kind to hit the roads, without stations and without reservation. Available in many towns and cities across the region, the online company closed its doors in Antibes on Tuesday 20th December. 

Heads of the company argue that the self-service system has been forced to shut due to poor conditions of the vehicles. Séverine Garcia, a worker at Vu log, the group in charge of the project, said, "Given the state of the cars and our duty to offer safety and comfort, we have to renew the fleet."

The company attempted to collaborate with Casa cars because of the "high demand in Antibes", however they are believed to have turned down taking over the operation. 

However, for those disappointed residents there is hope for the future, José Granados, director of Casa car services told local newspaper Nice Matin, "We hope that in 2013-2014, we will have a new electonic car program with Casa."

Sarah Lloyd