Toyota Financial Services announces partnership with Cityhop

Car-sharing service Cityhop is hoping to expand its business after signing a strategic partnership with Toyota Financial Services.

Cityhop, which operates in Auckland and Wellington, currently has several vehicle types on offer, including electric vehicles like a Nissan Leaf and Mitsubishi Outlander plug-in hybrid (PHEV).

TFS chief executive Brent Knight says it plans on helping Cityhop by assisting with back-office processes, offering the operational support capabilities of Toyota’s dealer network and access to vehicles.

“Cityhop’s aspiration to make cities better, more liveable places, aligns with Toyota’s view of a future where urban transport is both more environmental and convenient.

“Our goal is to help Cityhop grow and offer more people a wider range of transport alternatives in a much shorter space of time. Car share members will see a roll out of a wider range of passenger and commercial vehicles as well as mobility and electric vehicles.”

Cityhop founder Victoria Carter says many businesses have begun to downsize their vehicle fleets and use the car-sharing service instead.

“Hundreds of individuals are able to choose to not own a car and use one of Cityhop’s range of cars saving money and removing cars off the road. We offer access not ownership.

“This partnership provides a massive opportunity to accelerate growth in our existing markets as well as expand our service to more cities in New Zealand. Thousands more people will now have an opportunity to live with one less car, reduce urban congestion, save money, as well as help the environment.”