Is Zip Car a Fad? Wheels when you want them

Zipcar Inc., the largest car-sharing company in North America, emerged from its initial public offering with $174.3 million.  After Zipcar's first day of trading, the company has a market value of $1.12 billion.

Zipcar offers car sharing by the hour to members in 50 cities in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom and on 150 college campuses. It owns and operates an 8,000-vehicle fleet representing 30 makes and models, including hybrids and pickups.

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Adam's Commentary:

Does this business model appeal to you?  Does renting a vehicle by the hour seem that much different from renting by the day like traditional car rental companies offer?  It remains to be seen whether Zipcar offers a viable alternative to those who need short-term transportation solutions, especially considering the extreme market competition in the car rental space.