Over the years, my experiences with car services have been less than satisfactory. Most of the time the reservation process is cumbersome, the driver is no where to be found especially if you’re plane is late and the added costs for “waiting time” always seem exorbitant. So, admittedly I have low expectations for the category and would be ready to switch in a heart beat if a better service were to come along. I recently learned from a colleague about a greener service called OZOcar (thanks Fanny). Assuming they can at least match my low expectations on service and offer comparable rates then Renegade will be switching to OZOcar faster than you can say “so reduce your carbon footprint already.”
Here’s a quick look at OZOcar based on their website:
OZOcar is New York’s first hybrid luxury car service that won’t compromise your conscience because in an OZOcar, luxury and responsibility co-exist.
The OZOcar fleet is entirely comprised of hybrid cars which use 70% less fuel than conventional Lincoln Towncars and yellow cabs. At low speeds, the cars operate using an electric motor with zero emissions making them ideal for a dense urban environment like Manhattan, where traffic regularly travels below 30mph.
By lowering both energy usage and emissions, OZOcar is committed to minimizing its impact on the environment while helping to reduce our dependence on imported oil. Our goal is to provide our customers with unparalleled service using the cleanest and most advanced technologies available.
OZOcar’s fleet of Toyota and Lexus cars features the most energy efficient hybrid engine on the market today. Our mid-size car, the award-winning Prius, is distinctive, elegant and quieter than a regular car. It generates up to 89% fewer smog-forming emissions than the average new car. When a larger vehicle is needed, OZOcar will provide a luxury full-size hybrid model, such as the Lexus Rx 400h.
Perks: Check your email with the high-speed wireless connection provided in every car. Choose your own satellite radio station.
What I really like here is that OZOcar is promising a better service AND a greener service. With real service enhancements, OZOcar has a chance to gain a sustainable competitive advantage that is good for their business and the world they share. Can’t wait to take a ride and confirm that they deliver on their promises.
NOTE: Their website also provides some helpful information on carbon footprints and how to calculate:
A Carbon Footprint is a measure of the impact of human activities have on the environment in terms of the amount of greenhouse gases produced. It is measured in units of carbon dioxide.
You can minimize your impact becoming aware, making better consumer and behavioral choices, and taking steps to offset your Carbon Footprint.
1. First step is to calculate your Carbon Footprint:
http://www.carbonfootprint.com/USA/calculator.html
2. Then learn about ways to reduce your impact:
http://www.carbonfootprint.com/Minimise_cfp.html
3. Carbon Offsetting is a way of compensating for the emissions produced with an equivalent carbon dioxide saving. It involves buying ‘carbon offset’ credits from emission reduction projects. Such projects will prevent / have already prevented or removed an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide elsewhere in the World. As CO_2 emissions are distributed across the World, it does not matter whether you make the reduction in Manchester or Mumbai – the positive effect on the environment will be the same*.*
http://www.carbonfootprint.com/carbon_offset.html