Another contender is competing in the car-sharing space as automotive giant Toyota launches their Kinto service in Australia.
Motorists who don’t want to own a car or simply want to have access to various vehicle models throughout the year can now rent a Toyota directly with the car manufacturer through its new car-sharing service, Kinto, which will rival other companies like GoGet.
The Kinto app, which was developed in-house, has been in Europe since the beginning of 2020.
During this preliminary phase, Kinto is available in four locations in Victoria: Melbourne CBD and Carlton, and Toyota Dealerships in Kilmore and Seymour.
The “once-in-a-century changes” happening in the motor vehicle technology space, Toyota says, is “recasting our entire way of thinking and doing business”.
“This is part of Toyota’s global vision to evolve into a mobility company by providing new services that go beyond our traditional business of selling vehicles to private and fleet customers,” said Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia’s head of sales and marketing.
Toyota says that there are no membership fees and drivers have the option of taking a vehicle for an hour, a day, or longer, with fuel, insurance, standard cleaning and maintenance costs covered.
As Kinto is a part of Toyota Finance Australia, all bookings will include comprehensive car insurance with the ability to change excess for an additional charge and 24/7 roadside assistance.
Kinto cars can be booked via the smartphone app where users have the option of hiring out vehicles like the Corolla, Camry, Kluger, HiAce, HiLux, and more, though LandCruisers and Supras are not available.
The vehicles are booked, locked, and unlocked using the smartphone app with rates starting from less than $10 an hour, plus 30 cents per kilometre. Full day rates start at $63, plus 27 cents per kilometre while weekly rates are available from $294, plus 18 cents per kilometre.
Like many other car-sharing services, Kinto provides on-street parking sites with around-the-clock access.
“Kinto is the next best thing to owning your own car because it is simple and affordable to book and drive the latest Toyota vehicles, including our popular hybrid models,” Mr Hanley said.
“Kinto is part of our strategy to transition from a car company to a mobility company by providing new transport-related services to people across Australia.
“This innovative brand will allow us to respond to emerging customer needs and mobility requirements which go beyond our traditional business model.
“Kinto will offer services to support Toyota’s aim of being the mobility provider of choice for all types of customers.”
The name Kinto is derived from the Japanese word, kintou, which means “flying nimbus”, which is a magical cloud that appears quickly, when necessary, to provide transport.
More information including a breakdown of vehicles and prices can be found on the Kinto website.