''Flexcar Five'' Program Rolls Into D.C.; Special Offer on Memberships in Honor of D.C. Convenience Milestone.

WASHINGTON -- D.C. residents are about to benefit in two ways, thanks to a partnership between Flexcar and the District Department of Transportation (DDOT). In honor of this partnership, Flexcar is offering free memberships -- a $35 savings -- to anyone who joins in the next five weeks and takes at least one Flexcar trip within five weeks after joining. And, thanks to 25 new, conveniently located on-street spots for Flexcar in the District, members are now never more than a five-minute walk from a car in downtown. Free membership for cars that are less than a five-minute walk from anywhere downtown -- that's the "Flexcar Five." Details are available at the Flexcar website at www.flexcar.com/washingtondc.

Flexcar's innovative program provides its members with on-demand access to a fleet of low-emission vehicles, including gas/electric hybrids, pickup trucks, all-wheel drive "crossovers" and minivans, located throughout the Beltway. Members reserve the vehicles for hourly use, with Flexcar covering the cost of the car, gas, parking, insurance and maintenance. Paying by the hour, members can enjoy the freedom of car ownership without the hassles and costs.

"With the addition of these spots from DDOT, we have achieved a new level of convenience," said Ralph Burns, the general manager of Flexcar's D.C. metro area office. "As convenient as our locations already are, it's even more important as the weather turns inclement. Members will appreciate the proximity of our locations to where they live and work."

Flexcar, which brought carsharing to the region in 2001 when it won a contract with WMATA, has steadily expanded its reach throughout the region by offering a practical, convenient and easy-to-use program. Among the many benefits of Flexcar:

--Simple Pricing: Flexcar's simple hourly rate covers gas, insurance, parking, maintenance and 24/7 emergency assistance. Different vehicles do not cost more or less based on vehicle type or time of reservation. There are no hidden fees.

--Convenience: since beginning service in 2001, Flexcar has served a full range of neighborhoods and jurisdictions. No matter what neighborhood, chances are good there's a Flexcar nearby.

--Vehicle Variety: With eco-friendly hybrids, sporty sedans, load-hauling pickups, rugged crossover vehicles and group-friendly minivans, chances are good there's a Flexcar vehicle for every occasion or need.

Since launching the U.S. carsharing industry in 1998, Flexcar has won numerous awards and commendations for reducing congestion, air pollution and energy use, and increasing use of public transit while contributing to sustainable communities. More information on Flexcar's D.C. operation is available at www.flexcar.com or by calling 202-296-1359.

About Flexcar

Flexcar founded the U.S. carsharing industry and now operates carsharing programs for 35,000 members in seven metropolitan areas, covering 37 cities in 6 states and the District of Columbia. With flexible pricing plans, members can reserve and drive any of these cars whenever and wherever they need to, without filling out complicated paperwork or paying for insurance, gas or repairs. Flexcar Business Memberships enable companies to augment or replace their fleet with Flexcar vehicles. Flexcar's fleet includes sedans, gas-electric hybrids, and specialty vehicles, including pickups, AWD, minivans and convertibles. AOL Founder Steve Case and auto industry legend Lee Iacocca are board members and investors/owners of Flexcar.

Editor's Note: Correct spelling and punctuation of name is "Flexcar" (not Flex-car, FlexCar, Flexicar or Flex Car).