Rental cars with winter tires now available in the GTA! AutoShare equips 15%
of its fleet again this winter season.

TORONTO , Dec. 11 /CNW/ - AutoShare, Toronto's favourite car sharing service, has equipped 15% of its fleet of more than 200 vehicles, with winter tires for the coming season. From December until the end of March, AutoShare users have the option to rent a car with this important, extra safety feature. "This is the second year that we've done this," says AutoShare President Kevin McLaughlin , "because it was an absolute hit with AutoShare's membership last year. We could see a much bigger demand for our cars with winter tires."

The company has equipped all of its Toyota Matrix hatchbacks with winter tires to help members cope with the unpredictable driving conditions of Toronto winters. This is the only effort of its kind from any car sharing or car rental agency in the city. Based on the success of the program this year, and feedback from members, AutoShare expects to grow the availability of winter tires on its vehicles next winter.

"Many people try to avoid driving in the winter because of the tough road conditions they face. Being a local company and knowing our winters, we feel compelled to provide our members with better equipment to handle wintery roads as another way to improve our service," added McLaughlin.

In 2008, for its 10th anniversary, AutoShare gave away a dream road trip to the member who submitted the most compelling destination and vision for a trip. The winner chose the winter tire equipped Matrix as their dream vehicle for the round trip journey between Toronto and Quebec City as they wished to visit the Hôtel de Glace (the Ice Hotel in Quebec ). Despite having the choice of over 15 models in AutoShare's fleet (including Toyota Prius, Mazdas 3, Hondas Fit and many more), they opted for the winter tire option. This year, AutoShare members have already begun praising the company on Twitter (@AutoShare) for their concerned efforts.

About AutoShare

Launched in 1998, AutoShare is Toronto's favourite car sharing service, with over 10,000 individuals, families, businesses, and government departments using our self-serve vehicles by-the-hour when they need to drive. Members can make reservations on smart-phones, the internet or by phone, 24-hours-a-day, and drive vehicles from over 100 locations across Toronto . Rates range from $6.50 to $9.75 per hour including gas and insurance, and there are more than a dozen makes and models to choose from, including hybrids, convertibles and cargo vans. Locally owned and managed, AutoShare has the greenest fleet in the GTA, with the lowest fuel consumption rating, the biggest proportion of hybrids and Canada's first 'plug-in' hybrid for rent.

For further information: Kevin McLaughlin, President, AutoShare, [phone], [email protected]