Car share scheme launches at Tonsley

Tonsley Innovation District is one of the sites included in an innovative new car sharing scheme launched in the Main Assembly Building this week by RAA and GM Holden.

The partnership has brought Maven Car Sharing to Adelaide, enabling South Australians to access top-of-the-range and technology-packed Holdens by the hour or the day, including sedans, SUVs and utilities, using their smartphones to book and unlock the vehicles.

Using the Maven App, drivers can have 24/7 access to vehicles located in designated parking bays across Adelaide, including the CBD, Mile End, Marion, Tonsley, Modbury, Glenelg, Grange, Woodville and Elizabeth.

Tonsley Precinct Director Phil Dautel said the introduction of Maven at Tonsley was a good fit with the district’s future mobility innovation focus, which encompasses the on-site trial of Flinders University’s driverless FLEX Shuttle and the development of autonomous vehicle technology by SAGE Automation.

After making a reservation through the Maven App, customers can their phone to connect and unlock their vehicle, which can be started with the push-button ignition – no key required.

Vehicles are available at a flat rate starting from $8 per hour, which includes unlimited kilometres, a tank of petrol, insurance and 24/7 roadside assistance, with RAA members entitled to a 10 per cent discount, using the discount code ‘RAASAVE10’.

There is no membership fee and no additional per-kilometre charges, unlike other car sharing companies in Australia.

RAA Senior Manager Future Mobility Mark Borlace said he expected Maven Car Sharing would be well received in Adelaide following its success in the United States and in Victoria where it was launched first in Australia last year.

“Maven Car Sharing will appeal to people who do not have a car and need one occasionally for a weekend getaway or a short business trip, but also car owners who need a second vehicle from time to time,” Mr Borlace said.